Sonam Kapoor-starrer Neerja Bhanot biopic to release next year

Mumbai: 'Neerja', a biopic on the life of 23-year-old Neerja Bhanot who gave up her life trying to save the lives of hijacked passengers on PanAm flight in Karachi in 1986, is set to release on February 19, next year.

Actress Sonam Kapoor plays the lead role of Neerja in the movie by Fox Star Studios and Bling Unplugged.

Neerja posthumously became the youngest recipient of India's highest civilian award for bravery, The Ashok Chakra while Pakistan also bestowed the prestigious Tamgha-e- Insaaniyat Award to her for showing incredible human kindness during the hijack.

"Neerja is one of the unsung heroes of India whose story should be an inspiration for everyone... We will be releasing Neerja on Feb 19 for the people the world over to know and celebrate the story of a 23-year-old girl who found courage and self-sacrifice in an extraordinary moment in her life," said Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios.

Atul Kasbekar, producer, Bling Unplugged said, Neerja's story is one that just "had to be told".

The movie has been directed by the celebrated ad film director Ram Madhvani.

Actress Shabana Azmi plays the role of Neerja's mother in the movie.