Highlights
- Emraan Hashmi stars as a lawyer in Haq, inspired by the Shah Bano case
- Actor says the film reflects biases in patriarchal societies and advocates for women’s dignity
- Asserts the story applies across communities, not limited to one religion
- Haq releases in theatres on November 7
Film explores women’s rights and dignity
Emraan Hashmi will soon be seen in Haq, a courtroom drama influenced by the landmark Shah Bano case. Hashmi plays a prominent lawyer facing a legal challenge from his estranged wife, who seeks maintenance.
The actor said the film speaks to the ongoing struggle for equality and dignity for women. “It’s a story of a woman’s voice,” Hashmi said in an interview with ANI. “These biases men have in a patriarchal society, thinking it’s a man’s world and acting however we want, cost women their dignity. If you introspect, you will find value in this film.”
‘Pro-women, not against any community’
Hashmi emphasized that Haq does not target any religion or group. Instead, he said, it examines conditioning and societal norms across communities.
“This film raises the issue of dignity and equal rights for women,” he said. “We are not judging anyone. We have shown the case in an unbiased way and left it to the audience.”
Inspired by the Shah Bano case
The film draws from the 1978 case of Shah Bano Begum, who sought maintenance from her husband after divorce. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor in 1985, a decision later overturned by the government through legislation. The case remains a defining moment in discussions around women’s rights in India.
Cast and release
Haq is directed by Suparn S Varma and stars Yami Gautam as a character inspired by Shah Bano, alongside Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, Sheeba Chadha, and Aseem Hattangady. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on November 7.
