A somber mood has descended over the entertainment world following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171—a Boeing 787-8 bound for London that went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The flight carried 242 passengers and crew, including nationals from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. The incident prompted an immediate response from Bollywood and South Indian film stars, with several high-profile events being postponed or canceled as a tribute to the victims and their families.
Salman Khan Halts Supercross Press Event
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who was to appear at a press meet in Mumbai for the Indian Supercross Racing League, canceled the appearance hours after news of the crash broke. The league released a joint statement emphasizing unity and empathy, explaining the decision as a gesture of deep respect for the lives lost.
Vishnu Manchu Postpones ‘Kannappa’ Trailer Launch
In a similar gesture, South Indian actor Vishnu Manchu postponed the trailer launch event for his mythological film Kannappa, originally scheduled for June 13 in Indore. Announcing the decision via social media, Manchu expressed his heartbreak and called for collective prayers for the victims’ families. The trailer launch has now been deferred by a day.
National Mourning and Ongoing Investigation
The government has initiated a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash and launched an emergency helpline to support families affected by the tragedy. Across India, solidarity and sorrow have permeated the nation, with public figures and fans praising the actors’ decisions to pause entertainment activities amid collective grief.
