Sonam Kapoor-starrer "Neerja" has been chosen as the Best Hindi film at the 64th National Film Awards, announced here on Friday.

Sonam has received a special mention for her "convincing performance of a real life icon".

The movie is based on airhostess Neerja Bhanot, who displayed utmost courage to deal with armed terrorists and sacrificed her life to save others.

The braveheart gave up her life two days before she would have turned 23, to save a large group of American children during a hijack of a Pan-Am flight by terrorists at the Karachi International Airport in Pakistan on September 5, 1986.

An inspirational tale, the film, directed by Ram Madhvani, was appreciated for its performances by Sonam and Shabana Azmi, who played her mother on screen.

In the Best Special Effects category, Ajay Devgn's "Shivaay" took away the accolades.