Vijay Rupani To Soundarya, 7 Famous Indian Personalities Who Lost Lives In Tragic Plane Crashes

India was left shaken on June 12, 2025, after it witnessed one of the worst aviation crashes ever at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on its way to London crashed in a nearby doctor's hostel just moments after takeoff. It not only killed 241 people onboard but even left the people near the crash site injured, including the former Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani.

This crash has added itself to the long and heartbreaking list of famous personalities that India has lost in deadly plane crashes. Let's take a look at the list of 7 famous Indian personalities who lost lives in tragic plane crashes.

1. Vijay Rupani lost his life in Ahmedabad plane crash

Vijay Rupani had served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021. He had pursued law and was a senior leader of the BJP, admired for his connection at the grassroots level. At the same time, during his tenure, he extended support for development and economic growth. He was present on the ill-fated Air India flight, which unexpectedly crashed minutes after take off. It crashed in a doctor's hostel, and fire engulfed claiming the lives of all the passengers and people nearby except one survivor from the people onboard.

2. Soundarya was seven months pregnant when she passed away in Cessna aircraft crash

Soundarya was one of the most loved Telugu actresses in the late 90s and worked in Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam films, among others. She is remembered for her roles in Sooryavansham, Ammoru, and Apthamitra. The actress was 7 months pregnant when she tragically died in a Cessna 180 aircraft crash near Bengaluru in 2004. Soundarya was travelling with her brother for a political campaign. Unfortunately, when the place stalled for a steep left turn, it fell nose down and burst into flames, leaving no escape, killing the then 32-year-old actress with others. 

3. Taruni Sachdev died along with her mother in an air plane crash in Nepal

Taruni Sachdev was one of the most popular child actors in the industry who worked in multiple popular films and over 50 advertisements. She rose to fame after starring in Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan starrer Paa. The actress was also known as the 'Rasna Girl'. Taruni, aged 14 and her mom died in the Agni Air crash near Nepal's Jomsom Airport, which took place after the winds turned wild in a hilly region in 2012. Unexpectedly, when she last met her friends a week ago, she told them she 'might not return'. Her last film, Vetri Selvan, was released two years after her tragic death.  

4. Dr. Homi J. Bhabha's plane crashed in the French Alps 

Dr Homi Bhaba, who is popularly known as the Father of India's Nuclear Programme, was a key figure in post-independence India. He was a pioneer in starting nuclear energy and research institutions like TIFR and BARC. However, while he was playing a key role in making India a major nuclear power in the world, he died in a plane crash on January 24, 1966. It took place when he was flying to Vienna in an Air India flight which crashed into Mont Blanc, France. The crash claimed 117 lives due to a reported miscommunication between the Geneva ATC and pilots.

5. Subhas Chandra Bose's death in plane crash remains a controversy 

Subhas Chandra Bose was a leading freedom fighter against the British and founded the Indian National Army to tackle them. He gave a popular slogan, "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom". He was gathering support for India's freedom abroad when he died in a plane crash in Taiwan. However, it remains a mystery as the official report claims his aircraft crashed due to engine issues, which caused him three-degree burns, and he died in hospital in 1945. Yet, some believed he survived and went into hiding.

6. Madhavrao Scindia's plane caught fire 

Madhavrao Scindia hailed from a royal family and was a prominent Congress leader. He even served as the aviation minister of India, winning the hearts of people, but he died on September 30, 2001, in a plane crash at Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh. The flight had reportedly caught fire mid-air and crashed in a field, cutting short his glorious future in politics.

7. Sanjay Gandhi was flying a plane when it crashed 

Sanjay Gandhi was the younger son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who played a significant role in the Emergency. He had a bold attitude and was being groomed to take his family's political legacy ahead, wherein he made some controversial political moves. As a trained pilot, Sanjay Gandhi died at 33 while performing aerobatic stunts in a new aircraft in 1980. His plane crashed in Delhi's diplomatic area, killing both the political leader and his co-passenger, Subhash Saxena. 

The work of these people continues to inspire the younger generation and reminds how life fleeting life can be. So, we must cherish every moment we have and contribute our bid towards making a difference in our world.

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