Directed by Ram Madhvani and starring Sonam Kapoor in the lead role, “Neerja” is being widely acclaimed for impressively depicting the real life story of Neerja Bhanot, Pan Am Flight 73 purser who lost her life to save more than 350 passengers. Viewers from not only India but the whole world have shown keen interest in the movie and it’s receiving immense praise of critics as well. In fact, after the movie released, few survivors of Pan Am Flight 73 too came forward to show gratitude and pay tribute to this brave lady who became a savior for all those passengers in the flight at a time when all other crew members left them in a lurch.
However, just after a couple of days of its release, Neerja Bhanot’s crew members said that this movie is largely a work of fiction and does not show the reality. In fact, according to them, even Neerja’s soul “would cringe at taking this undeserved adulation”. We are talking about Nupoor Abrol whose comments have given rise to an uproar on Facebook. According to her, she was also one of the crew members but Atul Kasbekar made a shocking revelation in this context, saying she wasn’t the one to board Pan Am 73 on the day of hijack. In his words, “This woman, I believe, wasn’t even on the plane.”
Here’s Nupoor Abrol’s Facebook comment, “Yes, truly a very difficult moment. But also a difficult moment for all those flight attendants to accept the movie for what it is unfairly propagating. Neerja was a wonderful person and I think even her soul today would cringe at taking this undeserved adulation. Not fair to the FA’s who have in reality faced their ordeal!”
She added, “Oh no! I was incidental in that plot. It was Astrid, Sherene, Sunshine and off course Massey who were the real heroes of the day. I am glad today I can show my gratitude to them.”
Reacting to her Facebook post with regard to “Neerja”, the producer said, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I don’t think I need to give clearance to anyone who has to say something, the fact of the matter is that three countries of the world – America, Pakistan and India have given her (Neerja Bhanot) a bravery award and I am sure they have stringent guidelines as to how bravery awards are given. Rather than just checking that one Facebook post. Also check out the first hand accounts of people who were on board the plane on the day of the incident. She wasn’t a part of the flight crew, then what is she talking about?”
Nothing is ascertained as to who is speaking the truth and who is telling a lie; nevertheless, one thing is sure that her Facebook comment has made people raise a question on the movie!
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