Model and flight attendant Neerja Bhanot (1963–1986) was assassinated by the hijackers after helping 370 passengers during the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi. We'll talk about Neerja Bhanot's inspirational life today, as well as the film that was based on it.
1. Early Life
On september 7, 1963, in Chandigarh, India, Neerja Bhanot was born into a punjabi Hindu Brahmin family. She had two brothers, akhil and Aneesh, and was the daughter of journalist Harish Bhanot and Rama Bhanot. She was an actor Rajesh Khanna's ardent admirer. Her mother passed away in 2015, while her father, who spent more than 30 years working for The Hindustan Times, died in 2008.
2. Career
Neerja Bhanot applied in 1985 to work as a flight attendant for Pan Am, which was looking for an all-Indian cabin crew for its flights from Frankfurt to India. After being chosen, she proceeded to Miami, Florida, for her training.
3. Was in an Abusive Marriage
In her marriage, Neerja Bhanot experienced domestic abuse. Her family, however, wholeheartedly supported her decision to reject violence and divorce her spouse. They helped Neerja establish an example in the 1980s by speaking out against abuse and refusing to return her to the violent setting.
4. Saved over 350 Lives, Killed by Terrorists
On september 5, 1986, Neerja Bhanot, the Senior Flight Purser on Pan Am Flight 73, bravely stopped a hijacking. Bhanot informed the cockpit crew that Palestinian militants had taken control of the aircraft. The crew managed to flee and concealed the passports of the American passengers for their safety. She helped save almost 350 lives by directing passengers to safety and stopping the jet from taking off, even after the hijackers shot her. For her gallantry, she received the Tamgha-e-Pakistan from pakistan and the Ashoka Chakra from India.
5. A Biopic on Her Life
Her fortitude served as the inspiration for Sonam Kapoor's 2016 film Neerja. The movie portrays the actual hijacking attempt on september 5, 1986, of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi by the Abu Nidal Organization. It highlights Bhanot's courageous actions in warning the pilots and assisting in the rescue of 359 out of the 379 passengers and crew—even though she perished in the process.
1. Early Life
On september 7, 1963, in Chandigarh, India, Neerja Bhanot was born into a punjabi Hindu Brahmin family. She had two brothers, akhil and Aneesh, and was the daughter of journalist Harish Bhanot and Rama Bhanot. She was an actor Rajesh Khanna's ardent admirer. Her mother passed away in 2015, while her father, who spent more than 30 years working for The Hindustan Times, died in 2008.
2. Career
Neerja Bhanot applied in 1985 to work as a flight attendant for Pan Am, which was looking for an all-Indian cabin crew for its flights from Frankfurt to India. After being chosen, she proceeded to Miami, Florida, for her training.
3. Was in an Abusive Marriage
In her marriage, Neerja Bhanot experienced domestic abuse. Her family, however, wholeheartedly supported her decision to reject violence and divorce her spouse. They helped Neerja establish an example in the 1980s by speaking out against abuse and refusing to return her to the violent setting.
4. Saved over 350 Lives, Killed by Terrorists
On september 5, 1986, Neerja Bhanot, the Senior Flight Purser on Pan Am Flight 73, bravely stopped a hijacking. Bhanot informed the cockpit crew that Palestinian militants had taken control of the aircraft. The crew managed to flee and concealed the passports of the American passengers for their safety. She helped save almost 350 lives by directing passengers to safety and stopping the jet from taking off, even after the hijackers shot her. For her gallantry, she received the Tamgha-e-Pakistan from pakistan and the Ashoka Chakra from India.
5. A Biopic on Her Life
Her fortitude served as the inspiration for Sonam Kapoor's 2016 film Neerja. The movie portrays the actual hijacking attempt on september 5, 1986, of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi by the Abu Nidal Organization. It highlights Bhanot's courageous actions in warning the pilots and assisting in the rescue of 359 out of the 379 passengers and crew—even though she perished in the process.
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