Director Dhiraj Kumar has approached Tabu to play Sushma Swaraj in biopic on Uzma Ahmed, the Indian woman rescued from Pakistan, while Parineeti Chopra is the frontrunner for the lead
Tabu
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At a time when non-fiction grips Bollywood, here comes another film based on a true incident. Director Dhiraj Kumar is preparing to tell the story of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian national who was made to marry Pakistani national Tahir Ali at gunpoint in Pakistan. However, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took it upon herself to bring 'Hindustan ki beti' back home in a legal battle that lasted almost a fortnight. And return she did, on May 25.
Parineeti Chopra
Kumar has approached senior actor Tabu to play the all-important role of Swaraj in the drama, while Parineeti Chopra is the frontrunner for the lead. "Parineeti is definitely one of the names we are considering. You need a solid performer for the part. But it's too early to discuss the cast." Taapsee Pannu is another forerunner for the role. Rumours suggest that Anil Kapoor may play Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh who aided Ahmed.
Also see: In pictures: Grim tale of Indian woman forced to marry in Pakistan
Sushma Swaraj
Kumar says the film is currently in scripting stage. What made him decide to make a film on Ahmed's life? "Uzma's story broke my heart. I knew I had to meet her. We've had several meetings since. She narrated what she endured, both sexual and physical abuse. My story will focus on her struggle to break free and the government's role," Kumar said.
Kumar is expected to start shooting in Malaysia by November end. The film will be shot in 50 days and is likely to hit screens in May 2018.
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