The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad continues to reverberate, leaving families, colleagues, and communities in mourning. Among those deeply affected is actor Ajay Singh Chaudhary, who recently shared his heartfelt memories of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the co-pilot of the ill-fated flight. Chaudhary's words paint a picture of a man who left a lasting impression on those around him, a testament to the veteran pilot's character and the void his absence leaves behind.
Chaudhary fondly remembers Captain Sabharwal, his neighbor of over twelve years, as an "ever-smiling and lively being." The actor recounted how his mother, a member of a local yoga group, had met Sumeet just days before the crash during a morning stroll in Mumbai. Sumeet had mentioned his upcoming flight to Ahmedabad and onward to London, a routine journey that tragically turned into his last.
The actor was shooting for his TV show when he received the devastating news from his mother. The shock and disbelief were palpable, a sentiment echoed by many who knew Captain Sabharwal. "You never truly believe such things can happen to anyone until that person is one of your own," Chaudhary expressed, highlighting the sudden and personal nature of the tragedy.
Describing the atmosphere at Captain Sabharwal's home, Chaudhary spoke of a "profound silence" that had replaced the pilot's vibrant presence. He acknowledged the difficulty in comforting Sumeet's bereaved father, who is grappling with inconsolable grief. The actor noted the support from their housing society, which includes many families from the armed forces, emphasizing the strong sense of community and shared grief. "It's like one big family, and we will stand by him. But nothing makes up for his loss," Chaudhary concluded, underscoring the irreplaceable nature of Captain Sabharwal's life.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a senior Air India pilot with nearly three decades of flying experience and over 8,200 hours logged in the cockpit. A resident of Jal Vayu Vihar in Powai, Mumbai, he was known among his colleagues as a "very quiet, diligent man" who "always kept his head down and did his work." He had flown Airbus A310s, Boeing 777s, and the Dreamliner, showcasing his versatility and expertise. Just days before the crash, he had told his 82-year-old father, a former DGCA official, that he would soon take time off to be with him, a promise that now remains unfulfilled.
The Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 241 people on board. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control moments after issuing a 'Mayday' call. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is currently receiving treatment. In the wake of the tragedy, Air India has কালো its official X profile as a mark of mourning and has activated a passenger helpline to assist affected families.
