8 Interesting facts about Neerja Bhanot

Neerja Bhanot was a young and vibrant girl, born in Chandigarh. Her parents Rama Bhanot and Harish Bhanot, a senior journalist, had longed to have a daughter after the birth of their two sons. Much delighted by the news of a baby girl in 1963, they lovingly called her ‘Laado’ at home.  

She became a National Hero, a martyr after giving up her life, in order to protect the lives of over 300 passengers on the ill-fated Pan Am Flight.

 1.  Neerja worked as a Model

The beautiful Neerja worked in the capacity of a model.  Her good-looks and charm worked to her favor as she bagged assignments, successfully juggling between her aviation and modelling career.

 2.       Troubled Marriage

Neerja’s life was not easy at the marital front. Arranged to be married to a boy from the Gulf, she moved in with their family. She was starved for food, not supported financially and constantly taunted for not having paid Dowry for their alliance.  She returned after 2 months of her marriage and decided to focus on her career.

3.       Head Flight Purser

Neerja trained in Miami for attending and serving at flights. Ninety percent of the training is for Hijack, safety and security of the passengers. Interestingly, the Pam Am Flight 73, was her first experience as the Head Purser. She took complete responsibility of her guest’s safety, using compassion, communication and her composure against the deadly attitude of Hijackers. Research suggests, her mother Rama Bhanot had asked her to cancel her duty for she had had  a hard day at a modelling shoot. 

      4.       Hijack of Pan Am Flight

The hijackers belonged to Abu Nidal Organization, backed by Libya. Their sole purpose was to kill the Americans on board. They did not harm any of the passengers as Neerja persuaded them against it with her amazing people skills. In such a crisis, she hid the passports of 41 Americans under the seats and some in the rubbish chute. She braved the deadly intention of the Hijackers and managed to provide passengers with food and water.

  

 5.       Support from Crew Members

Sadly the Pilot, Co-Pilot and Flight Engineer parked the vehicle, so it could not be forcibly flown and left the crisis scene. Neerja, being the head purser, took complete control of managing the charged up attackers.

      6.       Shot Point Blank

After 17 hours of rigorous threat, the attackers opened fire and set off explosives in the plane. Neerja pushed the emergency exit door to let the passengers move out. She decided to stay until all passengers were safely evacuated.  She guarded 3 children with her embrace, and was shot 7 times in her chest, abdomen and shoulder. Profusely bleeding by now,  Neerja was the last to make her exit but didn’t not make it to ambulance and died.

 7.       Bollywood Feature film Neerja

A leading production house, Fox Star Studios, is presenting a biopic on this brave woman, Neerja  in which the title role will be essayed by Sonam Kapoor. It’s set for Feb 19^th release. 

 8.       Awards and Recognition

Neerja is the youngest recipient of India’s Military award Ashok Chakra which she won for her courage and bravery.  Indian Postal Service came up with a stamp commemorating her. Pakistan awarded her with the Tamgha – E-Insaniyat award for her compassion and kindness.

We salute this incredible woman’s brave efforts and wish to be as brave as her.