3 things Ram Madhvani has to say about Neerja Bhanot's family, Sonam Kapoor and writer Saiwyn Quadras

The director of Neerja, Ram Madhvani says that air-hostess Neerja Bhanot's family had refused to grant the rights to many others to make a film on her, earlier. However, they agreed when Madhvani and his team sought permission. He explains:

"(Producer) Atul Kasbekar 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 said no to them, but said yes to us. I think you should ask the family why they had faith in us."

Neerja Bhanot, a 23-year-old flight attendant, was the youngest recipient of the Ashok Chakra for her heroic act of saving 359 lives on the hijacked Pan Am Flight 73 aircraft in 1986 - but at the cost of her life.

Also read: 7 facts you need to know about Pan Am hero Neerja Bhanot, ahead of the film

Though Madhvani has made a film Let's Talk, he is primarily known for directing numerous acclaimed advertisements and even directing a song in actor Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par. He is also responsible for the theme song of Khan's television show Satyamev Jayate. Popular photographer Kasbekar, who makes his debut as a producer with the film, was the brain behind getting Madhvani onto the project.

"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 he had this concept and asked if I would make a film on it. I immediately said yes as this is a story that needs to be told to everyone."