Aneesh Bhanot, brother of Neerja Bhanot, the flight attendant, who sacrificed her life while saving passengers from terrorists on board a hijacked flight in 1986, died today. Aneesh is survived by a son, brother Akhil and other family members. He was 62 and lived in Sector 46. Close family members said Aneesh was on his way back home from a walk when he collapsed at the entrance gate. He had heart ailments, they added. He was a philanthropist and authored books on her sister’s life, including “Neerja Bhanot - The smile of courage” and “The Neerja I knew” ( a coffee table book)
Sonam Kapoor who played the role of Neerja Bhanot in the 2016 film Neerja, offered her condolences on the demise of Aneesh.Om Shanti . Rest in peace Aneesh Bhanot. Thank you for everything wrote, Sonam. The Ram Madhvani-directed film received several awards and accolades, including two National Film Awards and six Filmfare Awards. Sonam Kapoor received a Special Mention for her role in Neerja at the 64th National Film Awards. Other than, Sonam Kapoor, Neerja also featured Shabana Azmi, Jim Sarbh, Shekhar Ravjiani and Yogendra Tiku in pivotal roles. Sonam played the titular role of Neerja Bhanot, the brave air hostess who sacrificed her life while saving three children from gunfire on Pan Am Flight 73. The aircraft was hijacked by terrorists on September 5, 1986 during a stopover at Karachi, Pakistan.