Yami Gautam brings spirit of Shah Bano to life in courtroom drama 'Haq'

When Yami Gautam first read the script of Haq, it wasn’t the courtroom drama or political tension that struck her most — it was the quiet strength of a woman demanding dignity in an unjust world.

The film, directed by Suparn S. Varma and co-starring Emraan Hashmi, draws inspiration from the landmark 1985 Shah Bano case, which redefined conversations around faith, gender, and justice in India.

“I studied law for a very brief time,” Gautam shares. “And this has to be one of the most discussed cases — not just for legal reasons, but because it changed the political climate of that time. Its ripple effect still stands valid and true even today.”

The actor says she was deeply moved by the emotional and social layers of her character. “It’s so easy today to say, ‘Why do you have to ask for maintenance? You can work on your own.’ Sure, yes. But look at her background, look at who she was,” she explains.

“She did what she thought was right for herself and her children. Sometimes, in the most adverse situations, you realise your own potential. You think you’ll crumble, but you don’t.”

While Haq takes inspiration from the Shah Bano case, Gautam emphasises that it’s not a direct retelling. “It’s not a biopic,” she clarifies. “It’s inspired by that time, but it’s a film — you have to make it engaging.”

At its heart, Haq is about resilience and identity. “It’s about love, separation, and the choices women had to make when society gave them none,” Gautam says. “That’s what makes it timeless.”

In Haq, Yami Gautam portrays Shazia Bano, a woman fighting for her rights and maintenance amid societal resistance — a battle that mirrors the real-life courage of Shah Bano Begum.

Haq is set to release in theatres on November 7, 2025.