Benazir Bhutto in Bollywood?

Last updated on: December 8, 2011 at 11:35 pm by Muslimah Media Watch

Benazir Bhutto in Bollywood? 2011-12-08T23:35:12-04:00 Muslimah Media Watch

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Rumours are buzzing around Bollywood of a possible film about Benazir Bhutto. Apparently, efforts were undertaken to make such a film back in the early ’80s by British-Pakistani playwright and author Tariq Ali, but due to tensions between Pakistan and India this did not happen. At that time, Benazir had just recently lost her father but was far from becoming the first-ever Muslim female Prime Minister.

However, recently the situation between the two countries has been very progressive, with celebrities crossing the border to work on the other side whether in films, television, or on stage. Of course, Bhutto’s recent tragic death has intensified the interest in her tragic and volatile life. Indian film actress and activist Shabana Azmi, a Muslim woman herself, has shown interest in playing the world famous politician. In fact, because of her impressive career and her friendship with Tariq Ali, it was she who was initially approached to play the role back in the ’80s.

Hollywood has always been notorious for biopics, and very often ones that come too soon. However, Bollywood has not been known for biopics at all. Very few come out of the industry. So having the main Indian film industry make a film about a Pakistani politician will be a new concept and is one to be cautious about.

Although Benazir’s life would make a fascinating film, at the moment such a film may come too soon. With the country still trying to deal with the aftermath of her death and asking questions about her murder, a film about her life, as complimentary as it would be, may not be welcomed as it should be. In the distraction of all the political turmoil in Pakistan, the film may not receive the attention it should to make the creation worthwhile. At the moment, the people of the country still require answers to the question of her death. Her life, as precious as it was to her party members, is over. And the reason it is over still needs to be discovered. Although there need not be a resolution before a film is made, (because indeed there may never be a resolution) time still needs to pass. How much? We must wait and see. The wounds need to heal.

With the execution of her father, the murders of both her brothers, the history of becoming Prime Minister of a Muslim country, and then her own assassination, it seems her life was made for a movie. Therefore, a film seems inevitable. However, when the film is made, it would be necessary to ensure that justice be done to Bhutto’s life. Regardless of what one may have thought of her, few would argue that Islam was central to the life, public indeed and private most likely, of Benazir Bhutto. Very importantly, her identity as a Muslim woman would have to be addressed as it played a pivotal role in her career. From the barriers she broke to those who hated her, Islam was front and centre in all her struggles. However, one does need to wonder what justice Bollywood, which usually portrays Muslims in extremely stereotypical ways, could do to this aspect of Bhutto’s identity. If they allow Tariq Ali to write the script, perhaps they will be able to address this central theme. Yet, it would require the expertise of a non-Bollywood writer to ensure that the film not fall into clichéd Bollywood representations of a Muslim woman.

However, in the end, if the film is made and made well, it would, I believe, be worth the wait. We’ll wait and see if this happens after all.

Cinema

Previous Post

February 6, 2008

Talking Points: Insightful Interviews with Muslim Women

Next Post

February 8, 2008 Friday Links -- February 8, 2008

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Advertisements Art/Theater Books/Magazines Cinema Comics/Cartoons Culture/Society Events Fashion Film Friday Links Merchandise/Commodities MMW Announcements MMW Highlights Music/Radio News Photography Politics Profile Ramadan 2012 Ramadan 2013 Ramadan 2014 Ramadan 2015 Roundtable Satire Social Media Sports Technology/Science Television Uncategorized Video Web

Select a Month November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Immanuel" mean in Hebrew?

Select your answer to see how you score.

The Anointed One Prince of Peace The Lord reigns God with us