Published on: October 30, 2025 | 5:50 PM IST
Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi, who recently garnered attention for his cameo in Aryan Khan’s show The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, is now focused on his upcoming film Haq, co-starring Yami Gautam. The film draws inspiration from the landmark Shah Bano case of 1978, when a Muslim woman from Indore filed a criminal suit against her husband for maintenance after being divorced. Given the sensitive nature of the story and Emraan’s own roots in the Muslim community, the actor recently shared why he chose to take on this challenging role and how he approached the subject with care and sensitivity.
Why Emraan Took Up Haq
During a session with HT City’s Stars In the City, Chief Managing Editor Sonal Kalra asked Emraan whether anyone had cautioned him against taking up a potentially controversial project. She said,
“Emraan, I’m assuming lots and lots of people would have come to you and said, ‘controversial subject hai, abhi Hindu-Muslim waala time aisa chal raha hai, you come from the Muslim community, why get into a controversy, it’s easier to sign a really safe film, you’re doing so well in your career why take the risk’. Were there people who said that to you? And what made you say yes to this?”
Emraan admitted that questions were indeed asked when he signed the film, but he emphasized that as an actor, exploring different roles and film genres is essential for artistic growth. He said,
“I have done films that are entertainers, massy films. Those are important, but there are films that are emotional journeys, films that leave a message, that resonate beyond a theatrical run. Haq is one of them.”
He added that taking risks is part of being an artist. Avoiding challenging subjects, he believes, is “empty marketing,” whereas films that carry social or emotional significance leave a lasting impact.
Approaching the Film from a Muslim Perspective
For the first time in his career, Emraan had to view a story through the lens of his own community. He explained that the sensitivity of the subject required careful consideration, particularly since it revolves around Shah Bano and Ahmed Khan.
“I had to see it from the lens of a Muslim also, for the first time. I’ve never done that before. It’s because of the sensitivity of the subject.”
He elaborated on the balance the film seeks to strike:
“It’s not really singling out people from a certain community or maligning a community. There’s something for everyone in this film. It goes across the board. A lot of people have been caught in this thing of love, religion, law. And divorce is something that, there are always bad divorces, and there’s something that you can take from that also, in this story.”
Humanizing Characters and Avoiding Clichés
Emraan also discussed how he approached his character in Haq, particularly considering the patriarchal themes inherent in the story.
“First of all I wanted to humanize the man a bit, because in retrospect he might seem like a bit of a… well, there’s the whole patriarchy angle. But there has to be a humane side of it. I didn’t want it to be like, okay, hero vs villain, then it would be very routine, typical Bollywood. There was a lot of nuance in it, and it was a very well-thought, unbiased look at this case. We leave that to the audience — what they think of it when they leave the hall.”
He stressed that the film examines interpersonal dynamics with subtlety, avoiding one-dimensional portrayals of characters. By presenting the story thoughtfully, Emraan aims for the audience to reflect on the complexities of law, religion, and human relationships.
Emraan on Art and Risk
For Emraan, choosing Haq represents an intersection of personal responsibility and artistic growth. He contrasted this project with his previous mass entertainers, emphasizing that while commercial films are important for business and reach, films like Haq provide deeper emotional engagement.
“If we don’t risk things, that’s not art. That’s empty marketing. Popcorn flicks release and are soon forgotten, which is fine. Those films are important as entertainers. But there are films that are journeys, films that leave a message — that’s Haq.”
His reflections suggest a thoughtful approach to choosing projects, prioritizing meaningful storytelling alongside career considerations.
About Haq
Haq is inspired by the Shah Bano case but dramatizes the interpersonal story between two central characters. It aims to present a nuanced perspective on love, law, and societal norms while remaining sensitive to religious and cultural considerations. The film stars Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, and is set to explore themes that resonate universally, even while rooted in specific historical events.
The film is scheduled to release in theatres on November 7, 2025. Audiences can expect a blend of emotional storytelling, societal reflection, and compelling performances from the leads.
Conclusion
Emraan Hashmi’s decision to take on Haq reflects both artistic ambition and a commitment to exploring stories with cultural and emotional depth. By humanizing complex characters, approaching the narrative from his own community’s perspective, and embracing the risks associated with a sensitive subject, he demonstrates a mature and thoughtful approach to cinema.
As the release date approaches, anticipation for Haq is building, with audiences eager to see how Emraan and Yami Gautam bring this nuanced, historically inspired story to life.
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