Actress Sonam Kapoor, who portrayed the late valiant flight attendant Neerja Bhanot in the film "Neerja", says the character inspired her in many ways.

Remembering Neerja on her 53rd birth anniversary on Wednesday, Sonam posted on Instagram: "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."

The 31-year-old actress also shared an photograph of herself along with Neerja's mother Rama Bhanot.

Directed by Ram Madhvani, "Neerja" featured Sonam as Neerja, who had lost her life while saving others on a hijacked Pan Am plane.

(Source: IANS)