Emraan Hashmi defended his upcoming film Haq, calling it a women-centric story and clarifying that it doesn’t target any community. Starring opposite Yami Gautam, Hashmi’s much-awaited release is set to hit theatres on November 7, 2025. Directed by Suparn S Varma, Haq draws inspiration from the real-life Shah Bano Begum case, highlighting her courageous fight for justice after being divorced by her husband, Ahmed Khan. Despite its empowering theme, the film has sparked controversy due to its sensitive subject matter. Hashmi emphasized that Haq aims to promote awareness about women’s rights and equality rather than provoke communal tensions.
Emraan Hashmi Stands by Haq Amid Rising Controversy
Emraan Hashmi, the film’s lead actor, defended the project, clarifying that it carries no religious propaganda. He emphasised that the story centers on Shah Bano’s identity as an Indian Muslim woman. Speaking to ANI, Hashmi explained that the film aims to portray her struggle and individuality rather than promote any religious or political agenda.
“Shah Bano said ‘Mai Musalman hu hindustani aurat hu pehle ‘ and ‘I should get my maintenance under secular law and constitutional law. Beyond Muslim personal law’. It became a landmark case; Shah Bano was fighting for a lot of women, for different generations to come.”
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Emraan Hashmi Describes Himself As A ‘Liberal Muslim’
Emraan mentioned that the film highlights women’s rights and addresses the issue of their dignity. Describing himself as a liberal Muslim, he emphasized that the movie doesn’t offend or misrepresent any community. According to him, the film aims to spark conversation about respect, equality, and the importance of protecting a woman’s honour in society.
“As a liberal Muslim, I can say that I had no problems with the viewpoint of the film. Because we are not maligning any community, if we were, I wouldn’t have done this film. I married Parveen, who is a Hindu. Meri family mein mere bete puja bhi karte hai, namaaz bhi padhte hai. This is my secular upbringing. So, from my point of view, I am watching this film.”
What Is The Real Shah Bano Case That Inspired the Film Haq?
Haq draws inspiration from the real-life story of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman who courageously approached the Supreme Court in the late 1970s to seek justice after being abandoned by her husband, Mohammed Ahmad Khan. Married to him in 1932, Shah Bano was the mother of five children — three sons and two daughters. In a striking twist, her husband, a well-known advocate, stood against her in court. The case soon turned into one of the most debated and controversial legal battles in India’s history.
What Is The Controversy Surrounding Haq?
The film has come under criticism not only from religious leaders but also from Shah Bano’s daughter, Siddiqua Begum, who has issued a legal notice to the filmmakers. The notice claims that the movie uses Shah Bano’s personal story without permission, and Siddiqua has demanded an immediate halt to its release. Her lawyer further stated that the family was never informed about the film’s content and that the producers should have sought consent from Shah Bano’s family before making it.