#AbhinandanMyHero: Big B, Sushmita Sen, Anand Mahindra pray for IAF pilot’s safe return
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is currently held captive in Pakistan.
By ET Online | Updated:
Agencies
The country is praying for the safe return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday after the MiG-21 Bison jet that he was flying crashed in Pakistani territory. Soon after, Twitter was flooded with wishes praying for the pilot's safe return. Within hours #AbhinandanMyHero emerged as a top trend as celebrities, top CEOs, sports stars and ordinary citizens, prayed for the 35-year-old's homecoming.
Amitabh Bachchan, Sushmita Sen and Karan Johar, feted Varthamani's resilience and courage. While Big B wrote 'Abhinandan' in his tweet, which means 'greetings', the former Miss Universe prayed for peace and his safe return to his homeland. The 'Kal Ho Na Ho' director offered strength to the officer's family and extended support from the entire nation.
T 3103 - Abhinandan .. शीश झुका कर .. अभिनंदन … https://t.co/qqaM4143BK
Wicket-keeper and batsman Wriddhiman Saha, went beyond just dedicating tweets and prayers to the brave pilot. The 34-year-old, who smashed a 62-ball 129 for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh, dedicated his innings to commander Varthaman.
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Thank You everyone for your wishes for my today’s knock. This innings is very special to me and I dedicate this inn… https://t.co/Yw9B079hHQ
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) 1551322506000
Seeing the vidoe of wing commander #Abhinanden makes u feel proud. How composed and strong u can stay without being… https://t.co/ZSDI5L3QCF
During the air strikes by IAF, one of the Mirage fighter jets crashed and pilot Varthaman was captured by Pakistani locals. After the government demanded immediate release, on Wednesday evening, Pakistan released three videos on social media of the captured commander.
In one of them, Varthaman is seen sipping a cup of tea and in conversation with someone, believably an officer of the Pakistani army. He revealed that he is being treated well and will not change his statements even after he returns to India, if he does. The officer, however, refused to share personal details of himself.
At 3.30 am on Tuesday the IAF, 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets, dropped 1,000 kg of bombs and tore up areas like Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad. This was in retaliation to the Pulwama attack in Kashmir on February 14 that killed 40 CRPF jawans. The attack, which was later claimed by terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, sparked anger in the citizens and they demanded action against the culprits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured military action against Pakistan.
Pulwama Fallout: Bollywood Films Refuse To Cross The Border; Cricketers Mull Against Playing Pak In WC
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In the wake of what is one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on the armed forces in J&K, the Pulwama carnage saw the country come together to mourn the CRPF jawans who lost their lives.
The film fraternity, sports stars, and industrialists pledged to do their best to support the grieving families of the martyrs, even as organisations took stern steps in retaliation.
Here's a look at the heartwarming donations that have poured in, and and the messages in support of the country's armed forces.
In the wake of what is one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on the armed forces in J&K, the Pulwama carnage saw the country come together to mourn the CRPF jawans who lost their lives. The film fra..
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Condemning the attack and advocating taking a tough stand, several Bollywood film-makers have decided not to release their films in Pakistan. Salman Khan-produced 'Notebook', Shahid Kapoor-starrer 'Kabir Singh', Sooraj Pancholi's 'Satellite Shankar', Kartik Aryan and Kriti Sanon's 'Luka Chuppi' and Diljit Dosanjh's 'Arjun Patiala' are among the several films that won't cross the border.
Director Tigmanshu Dhulia (top R) also said that he won't release his upcoming 'Milan Talkies' in the neighbour country for two reasons, "No, it will not release in Pakistan. For two reasons. First, we stand in solidarity. Second, piracy originates from Pakistan. So, we should never release our films there, irrespective of any reasons."
Condemning the attack and advocating taking a tough stand, several Bollywood film-makers have decided not to release their films in Pakistan. Salman Khan-produced 'Notebook', Shahid Kapoor-starrer 'K..
Read More
Veteran music composer Khayyam opted not to celebrate as he turned 92, and donated Rs 500,000 towards the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the family members of the martyrs of the Pulwama terror attack.
Raveena Tandon (R) also urged people to come forward and help the cause, "These are moments when everyone should come forward and contribute whatever it might be - whether it's a big or small amount."
The actress said that her Foundation will help support the education of martyrs' children. She added that it didn't refer to only the Pulwama martyrs but to all the jawans.
Veteran music composer Khayyam opted not to celebrate as he turned 92, and donated Rs 500,000 towards the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the family members of the martyrs of the Pulwama terror atta..
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Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar (r), who will join runners during the IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon, will do push-ups as part of the #KeepMoving Push-up Challenge prior to the run to raise funds for the families of the martyrs. For each of the participants in the challenge, the marathon organisers will donate Rs 100 towards the relief fund.
Meanwhile, former skipper Sourav Ganguly said that India should pull out from the upcoming World Cup match against Pakistan. Calling for severing all sporting ties with Pakistan, he said, "In the wake of the attack, India should not only stop playing cricket, hockey or football with Pakistan but should cut all ties with them."
Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar (r), who will join runners during the IDBI Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon, will do push-ups as part of the #KeepMoving Push-up Challenge prior to the run to..
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The All India Cine Workers Association announced a blanket ban on Pakistani artistes working in the Hindi film industry. In an official statement on Monday, the film body said that if any organisation was to insist on working with artistes from across the border, the AICWA will take strict action against them.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees echoed the statement and said that all the film bodies have decided to "completely boycott" any Pak artiste working in Hindi films.
The All India Cine Workers Association announced a blanket ban on Pakistani artistes working in the Hindi film industry. In an official statement on Monday, the film body said that if any organisatio..
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Actor-producer Ajay Devgn, whose film 'Total Dhamaal' is all set to hit the screens on Friday, has said that they will not release the movie in Pakistan. The decision comes in the wake of the Pulwama attack.
The cast and crew of the film also came together to donate Rs. 50 lakh to the families of the soldiers.
The movie, the latest in the Dhamaal series, stars Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Madhuri Dixit, Anil Kapoor, Javed Jaffrey, Riteish Deshmukh, Johnny Lever and Jackie Shroff.
Actor-producer Ajay Devgn, whose film 'Total Dhamaal' is all set to hit the screens on Friday, has said that they will not release the movie in Pakistan. The decision comes in the wake of the Pulwama..
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Amitabh Bachchan came forward to lend a helping hand to the victims of the heinous terror attack. Days after the gruesome carnage, the showman said that he will donate Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the CRPF jawans who were martyred in the Pulwama terror attack.
The 'Piku' actor had also cancelled his attendance as a special guest at Virat Kohli's Foundation event in the wake of the attacks.
Amitabh Bachchan came forward to lend a helping hand to the victims of the heinous terror attack. Days after the gruesome carnage, the showman said that he will donate Rs 5 lakh each to the familie..
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Mukesh and Nita Ambani's Reliance Foundation has said that it will assume full responsibility for the education and livelihood of the families of the CRPF jawans martyred in the attack.
The philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries further added that its hospital was ready to provide treatment to the injured jawans.
In a statement, it added, "We shall also deem it to be our duty to shoulder any other responsibility the government may place upon us in service to our beloved Armed Forces."
And taking a more stern stand, IMG Reliance, the official production company of the Pakistan Super league on Sunday withdrew its agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board to live-produce the ongoing tournament.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani's Reliance Foundation has said that it will assume full responsibility for the education and livelihood of the families of the CRPF jawans martyred in the attack.The philanthro..
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The Indian sporting fraternity condemned the "dastardly and cowardly" terror attack, with several of them coming forward to offer help.
Former cricketer Virender Sehwag offered to bear the educational expenses of children of the martyrs.
"Nothing we can do will be enough, but the least I can do is offer to take complete care of the education of the children of our brave CRPF jawans martyred in #Pulwama in my Sehwag International School @SehwagSchool , Jhajjar. Saubhagya hoga," he tweeted.
Opener Shikhar Dhawan also posted a video on Facebook saying that he will make a donation for the families of the soldiers.
Earlier boxer Vijender Singh, who is employed with Haryana Police, also said that he would donate a month's salary. "I'm donating my one month's salary for the martyrs of #PulwamaTerrorAttack and want everyone to come forward and support the families. It is our moral duty to always standby them and make them feel proud of their sacrifices. Jai Hind," the Olympic medallist said.
The Indian sporting fraternity condemned the "dastardly and cowardly" terror attack, with several of them coming forward to offer help.Former cricketer Virender Sehwag offered to bear the educational..
Read More
Team India paceman Mohammed Shami joined his fellow cricketers in coming forward to support the families of martyrs. The 28-year-old donated towards the cause.
Meanwhile, spin star Harbhajan Singh (L) called for India to boycott their World Cup game against Pakistan in June. The 38-year-old IPL regular said, "There is no need for any relations with Pakistan, let alone cricket.
"Don't play the World Cup match with Pakistan on June 16 - country comes first for all of us and we are all standing with our forces."
Team India paceman Mohammed Shami joined his fellow cricketers in coming forward to support the families of martyrs. The 28-year-old donated towards the cause.
Meanwhile, spin star Harbhajan Sing..