Who Was Sagar Patil’s Girlfriend? The Tragic Love Story of Manisha Thapa, Cabin Crew Lost in the AI-171 Crash

A Dark Day for Indian Aviation

On June 12, 2025, the skies above Ahmedabad turned into a nightmare. Air India flight AI-171, bound for London from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, crashed just moments after takeoff, stunning the nation. Over 300 lives were lost in the blink of an eye, families shattered, dreams destroyed, and love stories left incomplete. Among them was Manisha Thapa—a vibrant, ambitious young woman whose journey from the lanes of Patna to the clouds above the world ended in tragedy.

But Manisha’s story is not just about loss. It’s about love, dreams, and the cruel hand of fate. It is also the story of Sagar Patil, a rising star from Mumbai, who lost not just his beloved, but the very heart and soul of his world. Their story, now echoing across social media and newsrooms, has left millions grieving—and asking: Who was Manisha Thapa, and what made her love story with Sagar so unforgettable?

Manisha Thapa: A Girl Who Dared to Dream

Born in Patna, Bihar, Manisha Thapa was never ordinary. Her father, Raju Thapa, served as a constable in the Bihar Police, while her mother, Laxmi Thapa, worked as an accountant. The family lived modestly, yet Manisha’s spirit soared higher than her circumstances. She was the apple of her grandmother’s eye, her little brother Amit’s idol, and the pride of her parents.

From a young age, Manisha dreamt of flying. She graduated in Business Economics from St. Xavier’s College, Patna, topping her class and winning hearts with her infectious laughter and boundless energy. “Her smile could light up the darkest day,” recalls her best friend Riya. Manisha was a star dancer, always the highlight of every college function, and a friend to everyone.

Her ambitions were sky-high—literally. She wanted to see the world, to feel the clouds beneath her feet, and to make her family proud. After working with Indigo and Akasa Air as a cabin crew member, her dedication and hard work landed her a coveted spot with Air India’s international fleet. For Manisha, it was not just a job—it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

A Family’s Pride, A Community’s Darling

Manisha’s roots traced back to Biratnagar, Nepal, where her maternal grandparents lived. Every year, she visited them, cherishing the laughter and stories of her childhood. Her grandmother adored her, eagerly awaiting tales from Manisha’s latest flights. But after the crash, the family kept the news from her grandmother, fearing the shock would be too much to bear.

Her neighbors in Patna remember her as the girl who brought joy wherever she went. Whenever she returned home, the house would fill with laughter, music, and the aroma of her favorite dishes. Her father said, “She never let us down. She was our pride, our happiness. God took her away too soon.”

The Love Story: Sagar and Manisha

On the other side of the country, in Mumbai, Sagar Patil was making a name for himself as a model and singer. With 43,000 Instagram followers and a popular YouTube channel, “Travel With Sagar,” he was living his dream—and sharing it with the world. But behind the glamor, Sagar’s heart belonged to one person: Manisha.

Their love story was as magical as it was private. Friends say they met through mutual acquaintances and quickly bonded over their shared dreams and zest for life. They found happiness in the simplest things—coffee dates, long video calls, and the promise of a future together. When Manisha was away on international flights, Sagar would wait for her, often sharing his latest songs with her over video calls. He once wrote on Instagram, “Your smile is my world”—a tribute to the woman who meant everything to him.

Sagar’s dream was to travel the world with Manisha. Hers was to build a life filled with love and laughter by his side. But fate had other plans.

The Last Flight: Manisha’s Final Message

On the morning of June 12, 2025, Manisha was preparing for what would be her last flight. As a member of the AI-171 cabin crew, she was excited about flying to London—a city she had always wanted to explore. Before boarding, she messaged her family:
“I’m going to London. We’ll take off soon. It’s an international flight, so I might not be able to talk. Love you all.”

It was the last message they would ever receive from her.

At 1:38 pm, just seconds after takeoff, disaster struck. The aircraft crashed near Meghani Nagar, slamming into a medical students’ hostel. The horror was unimaginable: over 300 souls perished, including all 12 crew members. The news spread like wildfire, leaving families and friends in disbelief.

Agony and Aftermath: A Family’s Worst Nightmare

When Manisha’s family got the call, they refused to believe it. Her father dialed her number again and again, hoping against hope. Each time, the phone was switched off. Her friend Mohit called her brother Amit, and soon the entire family was on their way to Ahmedabad, desperate for answers.

At the civil hospital, DNA tests were needed to identify the victims. Manisha’s father waited outside the testing center, surrounded by grieving families. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Sagar was in the middle of a modeling shoot when the news broke. He cancelled everything and rushed to Ahmedabad, his world collapsing around him.

A viral video later showed Sagar outside the hospital, sitting alone, tears streaming down his face. When a journalist asked who he was there for, his voice trembled: “My love.” That moment, captured on camera, broke the internet and the hearts of millions.

Social Media Erupts: A Nation Mourns

The tragedy of AI-171 became the top headline across the country. But it was Manisha and Sagar’s story that captured the public imagination. People searched for Sagar on Instagram, leaving messages of support and condolences. One of his posts read:
“Thank you for your support. I’m trying to survive the pain. Manisha, you’ll always be in my heart.”

As Manisha’s story spread, her photos—smiling, dancing, living life to the fullest—flooded social media. Her college principal, Father Martin Porus, said, “Manisha was an exceptional human being. She was a topper, a leader, and a friend to all. Her loss is a tragedy we will never recover from.”

Dreams Shattered, Love Unfulfilled

Every detail of Manisha’s life now seemed precious—her first dance on stage, her laughter with friends, the calls to her mother after every flight, the stories she shared about making a child laugh or comforting an elderly passenger. Her family treasures these memories, even as the pain of her absence grows each day.

Sagar, too, is haunted by memories. He released a song shortly before the crash, with lyrics that now seem prophetic:
“You’re the moon of my nights, the sun of my mornings.”
Fans say the song was written for Manisha, a love letter that now echoes with grief.

The Unbearable Weight of Loss

No words can capture the pain of losing someone so young, so full of hope. Manisha’s uncle, Guddu Bahadur Thapa, recalls the moment they learned the truth: “We were called by a friend. We left for Ahmedabad immediately, but nothing could prepare us for what we found.”

The family has not told Manisha’s grandmother of her passing, fearing the news would break her heart. “Manisha would video call her after every flight,” they say. “Now, those calls are just memories.”

Sagar’s life, too, has changed forever. His music, once filled with joy, is now laced with sorrow. He writes, “Manisha, wherever you are, I know you’re smiling. I’m incomplete without you, but I’ll keep your dreams alive.”

A Love Story that Touched a Nation

Manisha and Sagar’s love was simple, pure, and real. They found happiness in each other’s dreams, comfort in each other’s arms, and hope in each other’s words. Their story, now immortalized by tragedy, has inspired thousands to cherish their loved ones and to never take a single moment for granted.

Their friends remember their video calls, their secret plans, their laughter. Sagar’s viral video, crying outside the hospital, is a haunting reminder of love’s power—and its fragility.

The Legacy of Manisha Thapa

Manisha’s legacy is not just in the skies she conquered, but in the hearts she touched. Her story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the courage to dream. She rose from a middle-class family in Patna to become a star in Indian aviation, proving that with determination, anything is possible.

Her love story with Sagar teaches us that true love never dies. Even in death, Manisha remains alive in Sagar’s songs, in her family’s memories, and in the hearts of all who hear her story.

Love, Loss, and the Sky That Waits

The crash of AI-171 was a national tragedy, but the loss of Manisha Thapa and the heartbreak of Sagar Patil have become a symbol of love and loss in the modern world. Their story reminds us that life is unpredictable, that dreams can be shattered in an instant, and that the people we love are our greatest treasures.

As the nation mourns, Manisha’s smile, Sagar’s trembling voice, and their unfinished love story will live on—in every heart that dares to dream, to love, and to remember.

Rest in peace, Manisha. Your story will never be forgotten.