Sonam to play Neerja, the heroic airhostess who died saving passengers

Published January 13, 2015
Sonam Kapoor poses for a portrait at the Martinez Hotel during the 67th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 19, 2014. – AP
Sonam Kapoor poses for a portrait at the Martinez Hotel during the 67th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Monday, May 19, 2014. – AP

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.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.