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WIN: Poster featuring Sonam Kapoor as ‘Neerja’

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BollyNewsUK has teamed up with Media Hive and Fox Star Studios to give UK fans a chance to win posters of the highly-anticipated Bollywood release, Neerja, featuring Sonam Kapoor.

NEERJA UK Competition

To win a poster, simply answer the following question and fill out the form below: 

Who plays the character of Neerja’s mother in the film?

Closing date for entries is 18:00 (GMT), 19th February 2015. The winner will be contacted via e-mail. This competition is only open to UK residents.

One of the most powerful and inspiring films to emerge from Indian cinema over recent years, Neerja is a biopic and a cinematic representation of the dramatic events that unfolded on 5th September 1986, when Pan Am Flight 73 from Bombay to New York was hijacked in transit at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, Pakistan. This is the story of Neerja Bhanot, a 22-year-old part time model, who was the Head Purser on the flight. Throughout the horrifying ordeal,Neerja didn’t succumb to her fears  and, from the minute the plane was hijacked through the terrifying 17 hours to the grueling end, used her courage, wits and compassion to make sure the passengers were protected, saving the lives of 359 passengers and crew on board out of 379, all at the cost of her own life.
 
Releasing on 19th February 2016, Neerja is produced by Fox Star Studios and co-produced by Bling Unplugged, and has been directed by celebrated ad film director, Ram Madhvani. Actress Sonam Kapoor essays her most career-defining role as the young braveheart and adding to the cast is veteran and internationally renowned actress, Shabana Azmi, playing the role of Neerja’s mother. 

Sonam Kapoor

What Neerja Bhanot’s mother told Sonam Kapoor when they met

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Sonam Kapoor with Rama BhanotIn a making of video for the upcoming film Neerja, which stars Sonam Kapoor as the late air stewardess Neerja Bhanot, the actress explains what went into the biopic, with help from director Ram Madhvani and producer Atul Kasbekar.

Sonam Kapoor tweeted the video, saying “I’m honoured to have played #Neerja. Truly inspired by her life. A peek into my journey.”

Neerja documents the story of Neerja Bhanot, who was killed in the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi. Ms Bhanot, who was 23, died while shielding a group of children from gunfire and became the youngest ever recipient of the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

For director Ram Madhvani, ‘it had to be Sonam Kapoor’.

Sonam notes that she felt a “little more responsible towards the film as it is based on a real person.” As part of her prep, Sonam met Neerja’s family in Chandigarh. In the video, she speaks about an emotional moment when Neerja’s mother Rama Bhanot said Sonam reminded her of her late daughter – but that the real Neerja was ‘prettier’. Shabana Azmi plays the role of Rama Bhanot.

Sonam also says that the legacy of Neerja Bhanot meant that she couldn’t let the family down.”They did not care whether their daughter was a hero or not. They just wanted her to be alive. I just couldn’t have let her family down. So, I needed to be very true to the character,” says Sonam.

Sonam also says that the supporting cast, which also includes composer-actor Shekhar Ravjiani, allowed her to deliver a more nuanced performance: “If they wouldn’t have been this brilliant, I would’ve been mediocre as well.”

Watch the Making of #Neerja here:

Out in cinemas on the 19th February 2016, Neerja is produced by Fox Star Studios and co-produced by Bling Unplugged.

Neerja, News, Sonam Kapoor

20th Century Fox to release ‘Neerja’ in UK cinemas

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Neerja - Fox Star Studios - UK ReleaseNeerja is 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 in Karachi by Palestinian extremists from Abu Nidal’s terrorist outfit.

This is the story of Neerja Bhanot, a 22-year-old part-time model, who was the head purser on the flight. Neerja had escaped an abusive marriage and, as a life change, decided to become an airhostess, subsequently impressing everyone so much that they made her a purser.

Throughout the horrifying ordeal, Neerja didn’t succumb to her fears and instead fought her personal demons from the past and, from the minute the plane was hijacked through the terrifying 17 hours to the grueling end, used her courage, wits and compassion to make sure the passengers were protected, going so far as to hide the passports of the American passengers. Through her swift thinking and brave actions, she managed to save the lives of 359 passengers and crew on board out of 379, all at the cost of her own life.

Neerja was hailed internationally as ‘the heroine of the hijack’ and posthumously became the youngest recipient of India’s highest civilian honour for bravery, the Ashoka Chakra; was bestowed the Flight Safety Foundation Heroism award by USA; Tamgha-e-Insaaniyat (awarded for showing incredible human kindness) by Pakistan; Justice for Crimes Award by United States Attorney’s Office for the district of Columbia; Special Courage Award by the US government; and the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry’s Award.Neerja - Sonam Kapoor - UK Release

This is a portrayal of Neerja’s strength, courage and sacrifice and an attempt to bring before the world this lesser known Indian hero’s story, so that she becomes an example and inspiration to girls the world over for generations to come.

Neerja is produced by Fox Star Studios and co-produced by Bling Unplugged and has been directed by celebrated ad film director, Ram Madhvani. Actress Sonam Kapoor is playing the role of the young brave heart and adding to the cast is veteran and internationally renowned actress, Shabana Azmi, playing the role of Neerja’s mother.

20th Century Fox will release Neerja in UK cinemas on 19th February 2016.