Sonam Kapoor has taken up the challenge of portraying the brave-heart, Neerja Bhanot on the silver screen. Directed by Ram Madhvani, ‘Neerja’ will play on the 70mm the fateful journey of Pan Am flight attendant Neerja Bhanot. Sonam Kapoor, in a completely de-glam avatar, portrays the title role in this film which is set for release on February 19.
Facing her fears to portray a ‘hero’, Sonam Kapoor shares her flight as Neerja Bhanot.
What are your fears and how did you face them?
There are lots, one of them is the fear of not having an opinion on anything. Also, I was a very shy person and not very good at public speaking. But I took part in elocution competition when I was in school. I was in red house and was representing my house. I was very afraid and started crying. I even went to throw up in the bathroom. But then I went and faced my fear and won a gold medal. It is just about facing your fears. We should see them in the eye.
What gives you the courage to face your fears?
The one thing that gives me a lot of courage is my family. I am always very scared about what is going to happen. But when your family gives you courage with such unconditional love, it doesn’t matter what you are scared of. You know you have the strength to face that.
What did you take away from ‘Neerja’?
Help yourself, try to be the best you can because there is a hero in all of you’ll. And face fear. I am just an actress but she (Neerja Bhanot) was the hero. I am just playing to be a hero. But she has inspired me to become a real life hero as well.
Describe the experience of playing Neerja Bhanot on the silver screen.
Till now this has been my most creatively satisfying film. I could do what I wanted to in this movie. I am really excited that we are honouring her in such a way and I am so happy that with this film, the unsung heroes are being spoken about, again. She is a huge inspiration to people around. This film is for young people.
What was the best part playing Neerja?
Neerja was a normal girl, but she did her duty. It doesn’t matter if you are ordinary, if you do what you think is the best thing to do for other people and are selfless about it then anybody can be a hero and come out to be extraordinary. There is indeed a hero in all of us.
Lastly, how is the response to the music of the film?
I am enjoying the response that the music has received. ‘Aankhein Milayenge Darr Se’ is an anthem. It talks about looking fear in the eye, no matter what; we will still move on and do everything that is right.
