Sonam Kapoor is telling the courageous story of Neerja Bhanot’s life in a biopic being directed by adman Ram Madhvani. Neerja was shot on board the ill-fated Pan Am Flight 73, as she attempted to save passengers from terrorists on board, in September 1986. Sonam Kapoor proudly shared Bhanot’s name tag as her first look, via Twitter.
Bhanot’s story of bravery and sacrifice is definitely one that must be told and for Madhvani, Sonam Kapoor was the most convincing choice for the part.
Hers is a story that needs to be told and told with dignity and restraint. When I closed my eyes and thought of Neerja, Sonam Kapoor came to my mind.
– Ram Madhvani
Bhanot reportedly took a hail of bullets while shielding three children and even helped passengers evacuate from the emergency door, though she could have been the first to jump out. She is the youngest recipient of the Ashok Chakra and was also commemorated by the Indian Postal Service in 2004 with the release of a stamp.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)