Israeli-American musician Itay Benda recently learned to sing a Hindi song as a tribute to Captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured while trying to stop an attack on a Flydubai flight. Benda chose the Shah Rukh Khan song “Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai” to honour the brave pilot, sharing his rendition online as a simple thank-you.
Tribute Through Music
Itay Benda, who had never performed the Hindi song before, dedicated his version to Captain Smit Machchhar and Indians worldwide. Calling it his “small way of saying thank you,” Benda’s heartfelt gesture gained attention on social media where many praised both his effort and the choice of song.
Comments from viewers highlighted how touching and appropriate the tribute was, with people expressing gratitude for Benda’s good Hindi and the message of appreciation he conveyed.
The Meaning Behind ‘Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai’
The song “Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai” is from the 2008 film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and is one of Shah Rukh Khan’s most famous tracks. Known for its emotional lyrics about seeing divinity in others, the song was a fitting choice for Benda to express gratitude towards Captain Machchhar’s courageous actions during the incident.
Benda’s tribute was simple — no elaborate production, just a sincere performance that resonated with many.
The Incident Involving Captain Smit Machchhar
The tribute came days after a frightening event on September 30 involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Captain Smit Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit, who tried to interfere with the aircraft’s controls, causing a steep descent.
Despite serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door so that other crew and passengers could help. The aircraft safely made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all 174 people on board surviving.
Captain Machchhar’s bravery has been widely praised by both Indian and Israeli leaders, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu. Machchhar spoke about the ordeal explaining he fought to survive and protect his passengers.
A Cross-Cultural Gesture of Thanks
In the aftermath, many have expressed admiration for Captain Machchhar in various ways, but Benda’s tribute stands out because it crossed cultures simply and meaningfully. An Israeli-American choosing a Bollywood song to thank an Indian pilot flying an Israel-bound flight is a unique and touching connection.
This heartfelt rendition of a beloved Hindi song not only honours Captain Machchhar but also demonstrates the power of music to unify and show appreciation across cultures.
