IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a new series on Netflix based on the real-life hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in 1999. The show captures the terrifying event when five terrorists took control of flight IC-814, forty minutes after it took off from Kathmandu. The series features a stellar cast, including Vijay Varma, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Arvind Swami, Patralekhaa, Dia Mirza, and Amrita Puri. One of the key roles is played by Rajiv Thakur, who portrays the hijacker Ibrahim Akhtar, also known as Chief. Thakur shared an interesting story about how his friend Kapil Sharma helped him be a part of the series.
Rajiv Thakur had scheduling issues because he was already committed to a tour with Kapil Sharma in June last year, when the offer for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack came up. However, The Great Indian Kapil Show host stepped in to help his friend. Rajiv told India Today, "He told me, 'Tu series kar, hum show push kar denge (you do the series, we will push the show)'. And that's how our show was postponed to July. I had already committed to him, so I would have rejected the show, but he pushed me, and I am thankful for that. This is what true friends do, isn't it?"
Further, Rajiv Thakur expressed how much he valued Kapil Sharma's support. He mentioned that Kapil was not only understanding but also pushed him to join the show despite the scheduling conflict. "I remember Kapil also watching the show late at night after a shoot and immediately messaged Anubhav sir. He called me the first thing the next morning and he sounded so happy and proud. I think this makes me so much happier."
Rajiv Thakur also mentioned how thrilled Archana Puran Singh was after watching the show. Archana even posted a lengthy message online to express how much she enjoyed his performance in the Netflix show. He fondly recalled how Kapil himself stayed up late during a shoot just to watch the show and immediately messaged Anubhav Sinha, the creator, after watching it. The following morning, Kapil called Rajiv with a voice full of pride and excitement, which made Rajiv feel deeply appreciated.
Meanwhile, Kapil Sharma's The Great Indian Kapil Show is all set to return on Netflix with a new season. Along with Kapil and Rajiv, the comedy show also stars Sunil Grover, Archana Puran Singh, Krushna Abhishek, and Kiku Sharda.
