Mumbai, February 19 – Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor reminisced about the past as her critically acclaimed film, "Neerja," celebrated its 10th anniversary since its release.
The actress reflected on portraying the brave flight attendant, Neerja Bhanot, and expressed gratitude for the continued love the film has received a decade later.
Sonam shared scenes from the 2016 film on her Instagram Stories, adding a simple text overlay that read, "10 years of Neerja," to mark the milestone.
"Neerja" was directed by Ram Madhvani. It also features Shekhar Ravjiani, Shabana Azmi, Yogendra Tiku, Kavi Shastri, and Jim Sarbh in supporting roles.
The film is based on a real-life event: the attempted hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi, Pakistan, by the Libyan-backed Abu Nidal Organization on September 5, 1986. The film is presented from the perspective of the flight's head purser, Neerja Bhanot, who foiled the hijacking attempt by alerting the pilots, thus grounding the plane.
She died while trying to save the passengers and crew, of whom 359 of the 379 on board survived.
The film won 2 awards at the 64th National Film Awards – Best Feature Film in Hindi and Special Mention.
On the professional front, she was last seen in the film "Blind" in 2023. Sonam Kapoor, the daughter of Bollywood star Anil Kapoor, began her career as an assistant director on filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2005 film "Black." She made her acting debut in Bhansali's romantic drama "Saawariya" in 2007.
The movie also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan, and Rani Mukerji. It also marked the debut of Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor.
Sonam, who is the daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, began her career as an assistant director on filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2005 film "Black." She made her acting debut in Bhansali's romantic drama "Saawariya" in 2007.
She was then seen in "I Hate Luv Storys" and "Raanjhanaa." She was also seen in "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," "Sanju," "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo," "Neerja," and "Veere Di Wedding."
Sonam Kapoor was slated to star in the adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's novel "Battle for Bittora," but the project has been stalled for years. Produced by her sister Rhea Kapoor, the film was envisioned as a blend of romance and politics.