Director Suparn Verma has revealed that Bollywood actress Yami Gautam undertook an in-depth study of the Holy Quran to authentically portray her character “Shazia Bano” in the upcoming film Haq.
In an interview with a British broadcaster, Verma said the actress spent nearly four months reading and understanding the Quran to grasp the depth of her role. He added that references from the Holy Quran have also been incorporated into the film, which notably concludes with the word “Iqra” (read).
The director noted that widespread misconceptions about Islam often persist despite the abundance of information in the modern age. He said the film aims to present a more accurate and nuanced understanding of Islamic teachings and social realities.
Verma further shared that he engaged in extensive research over a period of nearly one and a half years, consulting Muslim friends and studying Islamic laws and societal dynamics to ensure authenticity in storytelling.
According to the filmmaker, Haq attempts to address sensitive issues such as “triple talaq” and highlights the concept of mehr as a social contract. He stressed that the objective was to challenge prevailing misunderstandings and spark informed discussion.
Raising broader questions, Verma said that although the story is set decades ago, it remains relevant today, as many women continue to face societal pressures, discrimination, and challenges related to their rights.
The film is inspired by the story of Shazia Bano, a woman who seeks justice after her relationship with lawyer Abbas Khan deteriorates following his secret second marriage. The narrative is reportedly based on real-life events and adapted from the book Bano: Daughter of India. Alongside Yami Gautam, actor Emraan Hashmi plays a leading role in the film.