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On his commute to work in London, Omar Ali makes it a point to call Savdhanbhai, discussing everything from the weather and health issues to food and family life. Their conversations often revolve around ordinary moments.
Air India crash: Friendship forged in grief links Pakistani worker and victim's family. (AI image for representational purpose only)It has been a year since the Ahmedabad Air India crash that killed 260 people, and the painful memories remain vivid for the friends and families of the victims.
“Kaise ho aap… theek ho?” (How are you?) Omar Ali, a Pakistani colleague at a fancy goods store in London, checks in with his co-worker Kamlesh's parents in India. Kamlesh, from a hamlet in Gujarat, and his wife were on the doomed aircraft when the Air India crash occurred on June 12, 2025.
After the tragedy, 40-year-old Omar, who worked at a fancy goods store in London, started regularly calling Kamlesh's father, Savdhanbhai, a 48-year-old farmer in Thavar, to check on him and offer emotional support. What began as condolences turned into a deep friendship between the two families, The Indian Express reported.
'Hamein zara sa nakhoon me bhi dard hota hai toh Omar poochta hai'
On his commute to work in London, Omar Ali makes it a point to call Savdhanbhai, discussing everything from the weather and health issues to food and family life. Their conversations often revolve around ordinary moments — Savdhanbhai's infected toenail, the cluster beans he had for lunch, or even Omar's clean-shaven appearance. Not a single day has passed without a call or message.
“Hamein zara sa nakhoon me bhi dard hota hai toh Omar poochta hai (Omar calls and asks even if I have a small pain in my toenail). And if someone is unwell at his home, even if it is a fever, we get to know,” Savdhanbhai was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Reflecting on their bond, Omar says their relationship was made possible by Kamlesh, whom he considers the link that brought the two families together. Despite never expecting such closeness, Omar says speaking with Savdhanbhai and offering comfort has become a source of solace for him. “I always tell Savdhanbhai, God made our relationship possible; Kamlesh was the medium for that to happen. I never thought I would be so close to this family. Mere dil ko sukoon sa milta hai inse bat karke aur tassalli de kar (I find peace of mind and comfort talking to them and reassuring them).”
The UK-bound journey of Kamlesh Chaudhary and his wife, Dhapuben, was meant to mark the start of a new life abroad. Instead, the young couple from Thavar village in Dhanera lost their lives when the aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, shattering years of hopes and plans.
What happened on June 12, 2025?
Flight AI171 crashed into the hostel complex of a medical college in Meghaninagar on June 12 last year, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived. The incident occurred shortly after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off from Ahmedabad and was en route to London's Gatwick Airport.
About the Author
Kanishka Singharia
Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.
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