Sonam Kapoor is leaving no stone unturned for her upcoming biopic Neerja, in which she plays the titular role of slain flight purser Neerja Bhanot. Directed by Ram Madhvani, the Film is about bravery of Neerja Bhanot, the daredevil flight attendant of Pan Am, who lost her life trying to save the lives of passengers from terrorists on board the hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 on September 5, 1986.
Neerja posthumously became the youngest recipient of India's highest civilian award for bravery, The Ashok Chakra. Neerja was only 22 when she fought terrorists and was killed while saving three American children, by the terrorists from Abu Nidal Organisation that had reportedly hijacked the ill-fated Pan Am flight 73, when it landed on Karachi.
Sonam's look for the role, sporting a chic short haircut and crisp smart flight attendant outfit, was released recently that elevated the curiosity of the audience. The list of inquisitive onlookers also included superstar Aamir Khan, who dropped in on the sets of Neerja to congratulate the crew and give a word of advice to Sonam.
Well known as a perfectionist, Aamir was keen to know how the filmmakers are working on the biopic based on an extraordinary young girl, known for her bravery. Aamir Khan not only gave the mahurat clap, but also interacted with the cast and crew.
Casting director Kanika Berry has picked as many as 220 talented actors from diverse nationalities who would form the passengers on board.
All the actors forming the group of passengers will have a small yet important role to play, to build the drama. Madhvani and associate director Vinod Rawat are conducting workshops to train the new actors.
Part of the film shooting will also be held in Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal. Rama Bhanot, late Neerja's mother who resides in Chandigarh came on the sets to lend her support on the first day of the shoot.
Shabana Azmi has been reportedly roped in to play the role of Mrs Bhanot, Neerja's mother. In real life, Rama was a source of inspiration who instilled courage in Neerja while she was growing up.
According to reports, Aamir Khan, Boman Irani, Anil Kapoor, Vidya Balan and filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani are taking the time to come on the set and offer advice to the large film cast.
Shekhar Ravjiani, of the famous music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar will make his acting debut with Neerja. He is all set to play Neerja's love interest. Presented by Fox Star Studios, Neerja is produced by Atul Kasbekar's Bling Unplugged.
