A women who sacrificed her life, at the age of 24, so that she could protect her passengers. Her plane Pam Am Flight 73 was hijacked on the way to USA, she saved each and every life on that flight, except hers.
Sonam Kapoor starrer 'Neerja' is based on the same set of events. Kapoor won her first National award for the film.
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Here 10 must know facts about Neerja Bhanot:
Her father was a journalist in his days. Her parents had prayed for long to get a daughter. When she was born, her father had thanked the nurse twice. She repeated, 'It is a girl.'
A 'no problem' child, who entertained 'no nonsense'. Neerja's family name was 'Lado'.
Even if she had a disagreement with any of her friends, she would always be the first to sort it out. She always used to speak her mind, telling the truth.
She was around 18 years old when a photographer approached her for a modelling assignment. When the ad was printed, what followed was a mirage of jobs. Neerja had features in ads for Binaca, Vaporex and Krack Jack biscuits.
Her flight was hijacked on its way to United States of America. Pexels
This was when her modelling career was taking off. But Neerja agreed to the marriage without any argument. However within two months of the marriage, she was subjected to mental and physical abuse.
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Her husband sent her an ugly letter listing terms of her return. It was 'accept the humiliating terms without a whimper at your own cost' offer. The other option was separation. Bhanot chose the later.
After her abusive marriage ended, Neerja wanted to prove herself. She used to say if something happened to her one day, even her ex-husband's shadow should not fall on her dead body. Her wish was honoured.
25 hours before turning 24, she left to attend her cabin-crew duty. Neerja Bhanot was known to be absolutely calm and efficient through the hijack episode. She alerted the captain, and it was her smartness that ensured the plane couldn't take off.
She could have escaped first when she opened the emergency exit. Pexels
Neerja could have saved herself when she opened the emergency exit, but that didn't go well with her. She decided to be the last person to quit, be it alive or dead.
The women who died so other could live. She cremated with the chanting of 'Goodbye darling, please keep coming', her favourite mantra.