2 hours agoAuthor: Ashish Tiwari
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Actress Gautam has played a strong character of Shazia in her new film ‘Haq’. A woman who fights for her rights and truth against the society and system. Directed by Suparn Verma, the film is inspired by the Shah Bano case, which started a major debate across the country on Muslim Personal Law, Uniform Civil Code and women’s rights.
In the film, Yami is seen not just as a character, but as a thought and voice. This film is going to be released on 7th November. Recently, Yami Gautam had a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar about this film. Here are some highlights..
Question: When such a sensitive story came to you for the first time, what was going on in your mind?
answer: I was in high school when I first read about the Shah Bano case in the newspaper. I remember his face and the pain visible in his eyes till today. When this film came to me, I went back to that time. As soon as I read the script, I felt that there was depth and truth in the story.
Even though it is not a biopic, maintaining the dignity of the character was the biggest responsibility. We have tried that this film should not look like a documentary, but should be a commercial film which forces people to think and can connect with them.
Question: There is a pattern visible in your films. ‘Uri’, ‘Article 370’ and now ‘Haq’. Every time you become a woman who becomes the voice of the country or society. Where do you get this courage from?
answer: This courage comes from my home. I come from a family where women are very strong. From my mother and sister to my father and husband, everyone has always supported me. Many times we have to fight silently, not loudly. If you are truthful, people automatically stand with you.
Question: When films are made on such sensitive subjects, many people in the industry run away. Why do you choose similar topics again and again?
answer: I don’t choose any subject deliberately. When a story touches my heart, I am unable to refuse it. The love and courage I get from the audience is my biggest support. For me, a film is not good or bad – it just has to be told from the heart.
Question: Your film ‘Haq’ is inspired by the Shah Bano case. Do you think that even today women have not got their full rights?
answer: Not even today in many places. Not everything goes to court, many pains are visible only in the eyes. The country is moving forward, but there is still a lot of need for awareness. This is the message of the film – if a woman’s voice is true, no one can suppress it.
Question: Shazia Bano’s character in the film is very emotional. Any scene that touched you the most?
answer: Yes, there is a monologue at the end of the film, about nine-ten minutes long. That scene was very special for me, because at that moment I was not just Shazia, but had become the voice of all those women who have faced injustice at one time or the other. I did that scene in one take, and even today it fills my heart to remember it.
Question: Issues like Uniform Civil Code and Triple Talaq can be debated in the film. How do you see it?
answer: Our aim is not to create controversy, but to start a conversation. If a film makes people think and discuss, that is the real purpose of cinema. We want people to see the film, feel it and talk openly about it.
Question: Emraan Hashmi and other actors are also with you in the film. How was the experience of working with him?
answer: It was a very good experience. All the artists are honest towards their work. Working with good actors makes the film stronger. The story seems effective only when every character is played truthfully.
