"I remember Anil coming to me and saying make Sonam understand not to take up acting. So that time, I told her she should study and go to a college in London. But later I told her go become an actress. She is like my daughter," Shabana told reporters here at the trailer launch of "Neerja".
"Neerja" is a biopic on flight attendant Neerja Bhanot who was murdered while saving passengers from terrorists on board the hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 on September 5, 1986.
In the film, Sonam plays the lead role. Shabana essays the role of Sonam's mother.
"I feel lucky, blessed... Privileged to be part of this film. It's a great story... The dialogues are too good. It's a matter of pride to do this film," the 65-year-old actress said.
Even before the veteran actress shot for this film she had met Neerja's mother while presenting an award in Neerja's name.
"When I met her I felt I know her. I have tried to play her with honesty...Without any manipulation. She is just the way she looks. She is a special person. It's sad that she couldn't watch the film," she added.
"Javed Akhtar, my husband and I knew Ram since quite sometime. We always used to tell him to make a film. Ram and I both like same kind of films ...Our sensibilities connected," she said.
The film is slated to release in February nexy year.
You’ve hit your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app