Neerja (2016)

Neerja is a biopic and a cinematic depiction of the dramatic events that occurred on September 5th, 1986, when Pan Am Flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked by Palestinian extremists from Abu Nidal's terrorist organisation while in transit at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The story follows Neerja Bhanot (Sonam Kapoor), a 22-year-old part-time model who worked as the flight's head purser. Neerja had left an abusive marriage at a young age and wanted to make a career change by becoming an air hostess, impressing everyone so much that she was promoted to purser. Throughout the frightening situation, Neerja did not succumb to her fears, instead fighting her personal demons from the past, and from the moment the plane was hijacked, through the terrifying 17 hours to the gruelling end, she used her bravery, wits, and compassion to ensure that the passengers were safe, even hiding the passports of the American passengers. She managed to save the lives of 359 passengers and crew members on board out of 379, all at the cost of her own life, thanks to her quick thinking and brave deeds. Neerja was awarded the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism Award by the United States, the Tamgha e Insaaniyat (awarded for showing incredible human kindness) by Pakistan, the Justice for Crimes Award by the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, and the Special Courage Award by the United States government after she died. This is a representation of Neerja's bravery, courage, and sacrifice, as well as an effort to bring this lesser-known Indian hero's tale to the attention of the world, so that she can serve as an example and inspiration to young girls around the world for generations to come.