Sonam Kapoor in a still from Neerja.
director Ram Madhvani said that Neerja Bhanot's family refused to give rights to make a film on her to several people but trusted him.
"Atul Kasbekar (producer) initially spoke with the family. Before us, different people have asked them for the rights to make a film on Neerja. For some strange reason, they have said no to them, but they said yes to us. I think you should ask the family, as to why they trusted us, or why they had faith in us," said Mr Madhvani.
Photographer Atul Kasbekar makes his debut as a producer with the film.
"My friend Atul Kasbekar approached me first. He asked me if I knew Neerja. Actually, I'm one of the few people who didn't know Neerja but knew about her. I knew the incidents on the flight and was aware that she had received the Ashok Chakra. Atul said that he had this concept and asked if I would make a film on it. I immediately said yes because this is a story that needs to be told to everyone," said Mr Madhvani.
Neerja documents the story of Neerja Bhanot, who was killed in the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi. Ms Bhanot, who was 23, died while shielding a group of children from gunfire and became the youngest ever recipient of the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Sonam Kapoor plays the role of Neerja in the film. (Also Read:
Exclusive: Neerja is the Role Model I Was Looking For, Says Sonam Kapoor)
"The writer of
Mary Kom Saiwyn Quadras had approached Atul first, which I came to know later. Then Atul approached me. We worked with Saiwyn for two years. Sanyuktha Chawla Shaikh has written the dialogues. Sonam was involved earlier on a conceptual basis, but still there is always a fear when the final script is ready with dialogues. The actress may or may not like it. So, we were very happy when she said yes," added Mr Madhvani.
Neerja will release on February 19.