Late last night, Pakistani actress, Mehwish Hayat announced, via an Instagram post, that she would be playing Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto in a biopic on her life.
There was a lot of chatter online following the news that Mehwish Hayat is playing Benazir in a new movie
Ever since the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir, there has been a lot of interest in having a biopic made on her life and struggles. Her family, however, has either remained mute on the matter or outright refused to have such a movie made.
Mehwish’s announcement reached Benazir Bhutto’s daughter, Bakhtawar, and she took to Twitter to show her displeasure
Certainly no consent from her living heirs/children was sought. Absolutely unacceptable and we will be taking action against it. https://t.co/onq9F4xgYT
— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) June 22, 2018
People were glad that Bakhtawar spoke up
Exactly BB 👍 Anything like this won’t be acceptable.
— Syeda Aqraba Fatima (@AqrabaFatima) June 22, 2018
While others deemed the entire project ‘unacceptable’
Making biopic of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto is unacceptable for two very important reasons – 1. No consent taken from the family (which is unethical and disrespectful) 2. A woman, a leader like BB, her sacrifices, her struggles etc can not be summed up in biographical film.
— Laila Faisal (@LailaFaisal18) June 22, 2018
There was talk of paisa
Lol. Paise den phir permission milegi 😂
— Samy (@sameens89) June 22, 2018
Aside from the film, people took this chance to show the effect Benazir had on their lives
Not relevant to this this but my mother always idealized your mother, she always says, to this day, that your mother was a brave lady and I absolutelty do not have a shadow of doubt about it .. she was an inspiration to many
— Syed Ali Saim (@alisyed_saim) June 22, 2018
There were some *interesting* comments in there too
It was written in Benazir’s hand written will that Mehwish can play her role. It’s the same will that allows your father to be a Co chairman of PPP.
— Meer (@MeerSultanAzam) June 22, 2018
Appeals were made to see to ‘real’ issues
Come on pay some attention in sindh ! They still have no basic facilities
— Asfandyar Ul Haq (@Asfand16uet) June 22, 2018
Clearly, this country is not done mourning Benazir
Why u did not take the action against the person who wrote BB's will found by one of your maid ? Who assassin BB until now no clue , blaming Mushraf is the easiest thing …. Poor BB Murdered for chair
— Kamran Mahmood (@Kamiviking) June 22, 2018
The actress behind all of this came up with a statement too and replied to Bakhtawar
To clarify rumours circulating.There is a project at the very early stages of development about your amazing mother. This cannot and will not be done without the consent or blessing of the family.I am sure that the team involved will be in touch before they progress further..1/2
— MehwishHayat (@MehwishHayat) June 22, 2018
2/2 … Meanwhile, as an actress I am researching as much as I can about a real idol of mine. Irrespective of any film I would love to meet someday and learn more about her .
— MehwishHayat (@MehwishHayat) June 22, 2018
Since this is literally JUST happening, we’ll be keeping an eye out to see if Bakhtawar responds to this!
Clearly, the movie is still in its initial phases. This makes one think why Mehwish was so quick to announce her role, especially considering that this involves Benazir; one of Pakistan’s most loved and supported leaders. I can get being excited but heck this was a bit much!
Let’s hope that the Bhutto family gives the green signal for the film. We would all love to see Benazir Bhutto come to life on the big screen once again.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing a Benazir biopic?
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