Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor remembered brave heart Neerja Bhanot on the latter’s 53rd birth anniversary on Wednesday.
The vivacious and valiant senior flight purser of Pan Am was felled by hijacker’s bullets while saving hundreds of passengers on board Pan Am Flight 73 which was hijacked by terrorist on 5 September 1986.
Sonam, who portrayed the Neerja Bhanot in the film "Neerja”, took her birthday as an opportunity to pay tribute to the women who had changed the world with their heroism and bravery.
“Remembering Neerja on her special day....She changed my life, so I wanted to give back by sharing stories of women who are changing the world with their bravery & heroism! Follow these stories, only on my app. To download app link in bio. #girlpower #braveheart,” Sonam posted on Instagram along with a photo collage.
Earlier, she wished the late flight attendant at the stroke of midnight with a beautiful message on the photo sharing app. She called Neerja a guiding light and paid gratitude for inspiring her in many ways.
“Happy birthday Neerja, I'd rather celebrate your birth than any other day... You are always going to be a guiding light in darkness. You've inspired me in more ways than one. Playing you has taught me compassion, patience, kindness and most importantly self-worth. Thank you and happy birthday laddo.”
The 31-year-old actress also shared a photograph of herself along with Neerja's mother Rama Bhanot.
For her bravery, the Government of India had posthumously decorated Neerja Bhanot the Ashok Chakra Award, India's highest gallantry award for bravery in the face of the enemy during peace time. She is the youngest recipient and the first woman honoured with this award.
She also received multiple awards posthumously for her courage from the United States government and Tamgha-e-Insaniyat from Pakistan, an award given for showing incredible human kindness.
