The film is based on the real-life air hostess , Neerja, played by Sonam Kapoor. She is the youngest daughter in the family among the two older brothers. Her father is a journalist and often tells her, `don’t let anyone kill your spirit.’
She believes in her screen idol. Rajesh Khanna from the film Anand that , the spirited youngster, wants to live a badi(big) life, not a long one. She loves to fly but one fateful day the plane is hijacked and she comes forward to tackle the situation.
Director Ram Madhvani makes you weep and mourn the ongoing acts of global terrroism. We are also taken in the past to see her struggle with an abusive husband. That incident gives her the reason to be the brave heart she already is. She leaves her husband and promises to herself to look with adversity in the eye in any situation. But , she died at the age of 23.
Sonam’s Neerja is dignified, strong and real . Her mother’s role is played by Shabhana Azmi, whose tears make you grief. She plays the role of a supportive mother.