Neerja has become one of Bollywood’s most critically and commercially successful films. Based on the life of Neerja Bhanot, the flight attendant who was shot by terrorists in Karachi when terrorists attempted to hijack the ill-fated Pan Am Flight 73 in September 1986. Neerja Bhanot had died trying to save passengers and her bravery as well as courage was felicitated by governments of both India and Pakistan.
Sonam Kapoor, who plays Neerja Bhanot in the movie, took to her Instagram account and thanked Pakistani social activist and Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai for watching and liking the movie. Sonam posted a picture of Malala in London at the special screening of the film.
Malala Yousafzai rose to prominence after militants shot her in the face in 2012. She survived the attack miraculously and was treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England. Since surviving the attack, Malala has been active in garnering funds for female education and has also raised her voice for women’s rights. Malala has met United States President Barack Obama at the White House as well as the Queen of England, among a string of important and influential personalities.
