"I got similar response during 'Raanjhanaa.' I have a long way to go. I have a lot to learn. I hope and pray that this is not my best yet. I want my best to be much later because otherwise then there will be a crescendo," Sonam told PTI in an interview.
The actress says playing the young flight attendant, who died trying to save the lives of 350-odd passengers on a hijacked Pan Am aircraft in 1986, was an emotional journey.
"When I started shooting for the film, I never thought Neerja is someone else because if I would have thought that, I would have never done justice to the role. It was more of a catharsis for me. I was always thinking 'How would I have responded in such situation.' There are certain things which she stood for and I also imbibe them."
The 30-year-old actress says the biggest achievement for her was that Neerja's brothers—Aneesh and Akhil Bhanot—were touched by her portrayal of their sister.
"Aneesh and Akhil saying that they could not differentiate between Neerja and me, for me that was something...I started crying. I felt 'what else do I need?' I connected well with Rama aunty (Neerja's mother) too. She was just like my mother."
Related story
‘Grateful to amazing people who made Neerja happen’
