The teaser of Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi’s highly anticipated film “Haq” was released yesterday. The film is based on the country’s infamous Shah Bano Begum case and the suffering of women who suffered through triple talaq. The film will be released in theaters on November 7th. Even before its release, it has been making headlines. Emraan Hashmi clarified that the film was not made to defame any community or religion, but to advocate for women’s rights and dignity. He said that “Haq” is inspired by the landmark 1985 Shah Bano case—a story that highlights the balance between personal faith and constitutional law.
“Shah Bano”—A Woman’s Indomitable Fight
Emraan Hashmi explained in an interview that his aim with this film is to introduce the new generation to this historic case, which many people may not know about today. In this 1985 case, Ahmed Khan divorced his wife Shah Bano and stopped providing alimony. Shah Bano then appealed to the courts for her dignity and rights—from the Sessions Court to the Supreme Court. Imran said, “Shah Bano said, ‘I am a Muslim, but first and foremost, I am an Indian woman.’ She fought for her rights under the Constitution.” This case, at that time, sparked a major debate between religious law and constitutional law. On one hand, there was religious personal law, and on the other, there was the Constitution, which guaranteed equal rights for all citizens. Shah Bano’s struggle became an example for generations to come.
“We are not pointing fingers at anyone”—Emraan Hashmi
Emraan Hashmi clearly stated that the purpose of the film “Haq” is not to pass judgment on anyone, but to present a true incident objectively. He said, “This film will make the audience think. When the audience leaves the theater, they will feel that this film is in favor of women’s dignity and equality.” Imran further stated that the film also shows the perspectives of both sides—Ahmed and Abbas—so that the audience can decide for themselves who is right and who is wrong. “We are not judging anyone, we are simply telling a story that combines both justice and compassion.”
Yami Gautam to play Shah Bano
In the film “Haq,” Yami Gautam plays Shah Bano Begum, while Emraan Hashmi will play her husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan. The film is based on a true incident from the 1980s that set a legal precedent for protecting the rights of Muslim women in India. In 1978, 62-year-old Shah Bano filed a petition in an Indore court seeking maintenance from her divorced husband, a renowned lawyer. In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled that Shah Bano had a right to maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC. This landmark decision not only sparked debate in society but also opened a new chapter in women’s rights.
