Haq explores the Shah Bano case from a liberal Muslim’s perspective: Emraan Hashmi

Q. Tell us about the film.

A. On face value, this is a film about a fight between a woman and a man in a courtroom but if we dig deeper, it's about so much more. It's about love, religion, betrayal, personal faith, a woman's fight for her dignity and certain uncomfortable and unanswered questions that our society is tucking under the carpet. When I read the script for the first time, I realised the makers have very important questions- like about justice, who gets to define it and how does it affect the lives of ordinary people specially a woman who doesn't have the privilege of being heard.

Snap from the film Haq

Q. On bringing up the 1985 Shah Bano case on the silver screen.

A. The Bano case at that time had rattled the nation, the entire country was divided into two halves- one on personal faith and the other on Constitutional rights but it's because irrespective of the community or the generation one belongs to, these things are still ongoing and these questions are still answered. Every generation has its fair share of Ahmed Khan and Shah Bano.

If we strip away the surface noise like politics and religion, I think what one is left with is such a deeply human emotional story of two broken individuals- a man who is fighting for his staunch belief in his faith and a woman who is fighting for her basic right to dignity. Some films are meant to do more than entertainment and Haq is meant to challenge, provoke, push one to think, instill change and be in public conversation and resonate to people's minds long beyond its theatrical and OTT run. And that is Haq.

Q. On working with Yami Gautam.

A. I heard so much about her before working on this film. Coming on time and knowing the lines are a rarity in our industry. Sometimes actors don't even turn up on set. We had a fantastic time on set. It was so easy, she is so effortless as a performer and her performance in the film was a blend of emotion, entertainment and very real.

Q. On playing such a role being a Muslim actor.

A. When I read these types of scripts, I see it as an actor. This is the film where for the first time I had to bring in the Muslims' point of view because it is about the case that had divided the country into two parts. What I was looking for was whether the point of view of the director and writer was balanced, unbiased and neutral. I found it very neutral. I don't know what would be the audience's opinion after watching the film but most of them will find it extremely balanced and pro-women. There is a certain social awareness in the film. For my community, I felt this film is from a liberal Muslim's point of view. Muslims should watch this film because they would be able to connect with it in a very different way.

Q. On viral clips of his cameo from The Ba***ds of Bollywood.

A. We were aware that the clip would be viral but we didn't know it would go to this extent. So it's a lesson to be learnt. Previously, I had a different public image so I have no complaints now when my dialogues are mentioned. I am very happy.

(Photos: Emraan Hashmir/Facebook & Instagram)