The Ram Madhvani directorial, Neerja, featuring Sonam Kapoor, went on floors last week in a Mumbai studio. The actress bears a striking resemblance to Neerja Banot, the Pan Am flight attendant who was killed on September 5, 1986 while trying to save passengers from terrorists who had hijacked Pan Am Flight 73.

The 22 year old was the senior flight purser who took charge after the pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer fled. The plane which had left Mumbai for New York City was taken over by four heavily armed terrorists after it landed in Karachi. Neerja and the other attendants hid the passports of the 41 Americans on board, saving them from certain death.

After 17 hours, when the hijackers opened fire and set off explosives, she opened the emergency door and helped a number of passengers escape. She was shot while shielding three children from a hail of bullets.

She was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's most prestigious gallantry award for bravery during peace time. The civil aviation ministry of India conferred another honour on her on February 18, 2010, on the occasion of the launch of the celebrations of the centenary of Indian aviation. The US Department of Justice also honoured her and the other attendants with the Special Courage Award. In 2004, a stamp was released commemorating her and a square in Ghatkopar is named after her.

“There are times in an actor's career when a special role in a special film comes your way. This biopic is one such role. I feel honoured and humbled to get the opportunity to essay the role of India's youngest Ashoka Chakra awardee,“ says Sonam.

While the makers are mum on whether Neerja's family is involved in the project, a source told Mirror that they have 'okayed' the script and even helped develop her character in the film. To get the look right, Sonam has been styled by Theia Tekchandaney, the costume designer who has previously worked on Vidya Balan's character in Bobby Jasoos.

The ill-fated Pan American flight 73 has been recreated in Film City, where shooting is expected to go on for the next few months. The film is expected to release in early 2016. “Making Neerja is an emotional journey for all of us. The best part is that I've the nicest people with me on this. It could not have got better,“ says Madhvani.