Media has been abuzz lately with the news of Mahesh Bhatt directing a Pakistani film based on Benazir Bhutto. However, Mahesh Bhatt denies his plans to direct the film saying that he is through with direction now and has hung his boots after his last project ‘Zakhm’.
“I was approached by a lady from Pakistan who wants us (Vishesh Films) to collaborate with them. In principal we’re on.” However, Mahesh thinks it’s too early to get into the project. “The news of the project came from Pakistan. We didn’t announce it. We’ve to get a go-ahead from Benazir’s family and her party. The blood is still fresh on the streets. It isn’t right to talk about a movie on the slain leader’s life at this stage.”
The offer has apparently come from Pakistani producer Anila Khan after the assassination of Bhutto in Rawalpindi a few days back. Shabana Aazmi has also expressed her desire to play Benazir in the project.
Very few people know that Shabana was actually approached by noted British-Pakistani author-playwright and filmmaker, Tariq Ali, who had readied the screenplay for his proposed Benazir bio-pic with Shabana in the lead.
But then politics intervened. Because of differences between India and Pakistan, the project was quietly abandoned. A disappointed Shabana had said at that time, “I know I can physically resemble Benazir. Once that’s in place the rest would just follow.” Now, almost 25 years later, Shabana is still keen on doing the role. “My God! I still remember the project. I’d love to play Benazir in a film.” she said.
January 7th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Shbana Azmi I am thrilled. We need new young actress any way. Here is what I mean…Musharraf: Bhutto to blame for her assassination
Sir
Let me sit in the place of the politician and comment. I guess that would be better then simply throw the idea uselessly.
Ms Bhutto had the charisma, education from the twp top universities, Harvard and Oxford, spoke fluent English and is rich. Let me look at the Pakistanis on the streets. They from 1950s have not seen the education and starve for the basic daily needs. Their some of the children only now are coming back with some cash trying to increase the GDP. I am talking of the third and fourth generation.
Pakistan is a Muslim country. It has been in the clutches, rightly or wrongly of the militia regime for many years. Taliban and Terrorists are plenty. The lady in this area is only a danger to the family and herself.
Besides, she was told that this place was not good for her. There had been attempts of exterminating her.
Now if you ask me, “Was this a suitable phase in her life to come to Pakistan?” Of course not. She has properties in the Middle East and UK.
How would the poor Pakistan watch her rising up when they are still struggling to eat two meals a day?
Musharaf has the best opportunity if Bhutto is not in Pakistan. USA wants the military junta in Pakistan. He is experienced man in army. I think even Nawaz Sheriff has no place in Pakistan.
To add to the whole saga, we are offering the son in the seat and trying to still rule the Pakistan?
The answer is, “We do not need Bhutto.” Period.
I thank you
Firozali A Mulla MBA PhD
P.O.Box 6044
Dar-Es-Salaam
Tanzania
East Africa