Neerja

A biopic and a cinematic representation of the dramatic events that unfolded on September 5th, 1986 when Pan Am Flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked in transit at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, by Palestinian extremists from Abu Nidal’s terrorist outfit.

Neerja Bhanot, a 22 year old part time model, was the head purser on the flight. Neerja had escaped an abusive marriage at a young age and, as a life change, decided to become an air hostess, subsequently impressing everyone so much that they made her a purser. Throughout the horrifying situation, Neerja didn’t succumb to her fears and instead she fought her personal demons and, from the minute the plane was hijacked, through the terrifying 17 hours, to the gruelling end, she used her courage, wits and compassion to make sure that the passengers were protected. Through her swift thinking and brave actions, she managed to save the lives of 359 passengers and crew on board out of 379, at the cost of her own life.