"Playing Neerja taught me compassion, patience" - Sonam Kapoor

Actress Sonam Kapoor on Wednesday paid tribute to Neerja Bhanot, saying she learnt self worth, compassion and patience by playing her in biopic "Neerja", the Press Trust of India (PTI) reports.

Neerja, the senior flight purser on Pan Am Flight 73, was born on Sept 7. She was shot and killed just two days before her 23rd birthday, while saving passengers on board the plane which was hijacked by terrorists.

"Happy birthday Neerja, I'd rather celebrate your birth than any other day... You are always going to be a guiding light in darkness. You've inspired me in more ways than one. Playing you has taught me compassion, patience, kindness and most importantly self-worth. Thank you and happy birthday laddo," Sonam wrote on Instagram.

The actress also posted a candid picture of her with Neerja's mother.

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi played the role of the mother in the Ram Madhavani-directed biopic.

The film was a box office success and also received critical appreciation.

"#NeerjaBhanot on your birthday again we feel blessed that the family and forces of the universe trusted us. Salute to you," Madhvani tweeted.