Bollywood filmmaker Ram Madhvani has signed the glamourous Sonam Kapoor for his latest biopic based on the tragic tale of Neerja Bhanot, the airhostess who died while saving passengers on board the ill-fated Pan Am flight 73 that was hijacked by four terrorists of the Abu Nidal terror group on September 5, 1986, when it landed in Karachi, reported Hindustan Times.

While the three-member American cockpit crew fled, Neerja took control of the situation and hid the passports of all Americans on board against the hijackers’ demands. After a 17-hour wait, when the terrorists opened fire, Neerja sacrificed her life while trying to shield children from the bullets.

Neerja lost her life just two days before her 23rd birthday. Her heroic act was internationally recognised and she won several awards, including Tamgha-e-Insaaniyat and became the youngest recipient of the Ashoka Chakra Award.

According to Times of India, the shooting will commence in Mumbai in about two months after Sonam completes Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.