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.
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