Neerja Bhanot: Check out rare stills of commercials the 'Hijack Heroine' was part of [Photos]

Following publicity of Sonam Kapoor's movie "Neerja", the story of braveheart Neerja Bhanot is know to everyone now. The courageous soul, also known as "Hijack Heroine", had sacrificed her life while saving passengers from terrorists.

The model-turned-flight attendant was shot dead during the Mumbai-New York flight (Pan Am Flight 73) hijack in Karachi on 5 September, 1986. The prime targets of the terrorists were reportedly Americans, and, it is said, Neerja hid the passports of all the American passengers on board to save them from the hijackers.

She became the youngest recipient of India's highest peacetime military award for bravery, the Ashok Chakra.

Before becoming the air-hostess, Neerja pursued a career as a model, and also served as the face of several TV commercials and print ads.

Though the braveheart is not alive, her story of saving 360 lives will be shown on the big screen soon. Sonam will play the lead role in the film. Directed by Ram Madhvani, "Neerja" will showcase the bravery of the young woman.

This is apparently the most challenging role the "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" actress has taken up till date. The biopic was released on February 19, 2016.

Here are some rare and unseen photos of Neerja Bhanot's commercials.