Shivani
Bollywood actors Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film Haq, inspired by Shah Bano’s life story, has landed in legal trouble just days before its theatrical release. Shah Bano’s family has approached the court, seeking a stay on the film’s release. They claim that the filmmakers did not obtain their consent and that the movie violates their family’s privacy. Shah Bano’s daughter has also filed a petition, urging the court to halt the release until proper permissions are granted and the family’s concerns regarding portrayal and privacy are addressed by the makers of Haq.
Shah Bano’s daughter has moved to court to stop Haq from being released
Shah Bano’s daughter, Siddiqua Begum, has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench, seeking a stay on the release of Haq, a film inspired by her mother’s life. Scheduled to hit theatres on November 7, 2025, the movie now faces uncertainty following the petition. Siddiqua’s lawyer, Tauseef Warsi, stated that the filmmakers failed to seek the family’s consent before portraying Shah Bano’s story, name, or personal details. He told ANI that such depiction without permission violates the family’s rights, raising serious legal and ethical concerns about the film’s release.
“This film is based on the landmark case of M.A. Khan vs Shah Bano Begum. For the first time in Indian history, a Muslim woman fought for maintenance and won the case… It is mandatory to obtain someone’s consent before using their personal life name, as this falls under the right to privacy.”
Shah Bano’s Grandson Alleges Fact Distortion in the Film Haq
Shah Bano’s grandson, Jubair Ahmad Khan, stated that the film was made without the family’s permission. He revealed they only discovered it after the teaser’s release. Jubair further alleged that several details shown in the teaser were completely misrepresented, expressing disappointment over the filmmakers’ disregard for authenticity and family consent. “When the teaser was released, we learned that a movie had been made about my grandmother. A lot of facts in the teaser are distorted. It is our private matter that has been given a commercial angle. They should have taken our permission. The common people will watch the movie and think it shows true events.”
Producer’s Lawyer Says Haq Uses Creative Liberty for Dramatic Effect
Shah Bano’s grandson, Jubair Ahmad Khan, expressed strong disapproval over the film’s production, stating it was made without their family’s permission or prior knowledge. He revealed that they learned about the project only after its teaser was released. Jubair also claimed that many elements depicted in the teaser were factually incorrect, misrepresenting significant aspects of their family’s history. He voiced deep concern about the misleading portrayal, emphasising that such distortion of facts could harm the truth and their family’s legacy.
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“The disclaimer of the movie clearly says that this movie is inspired by two things: the 1985 Supreme Court judgement in favour of Shah Bano and a book titled ‘Bano, Bharat ki Beti’. It is a fictional depiction, and it is not necessary that everything is presented factually.”
More about Haq Film
Haq is an upcoming film inspired by the historic 1985 Shah Bano case, a turning point in India’s debate on women’s rights and maintenance laws. Directed by Supran S Verma, the film chronicles Shah Bano’s courageous legal battle against her ex-husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan, a wealthy lawyer, after their 1932 marriage ended in divorce. Their story, involving five children, highlights issues of justice and gender equality. Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam portray the estranged couple, with Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, Sheeba Chadha, and Aseem Hattangady delivering strong supporting performances.