Anila Khan, a Pakistani producer, approached Mahesh Bhatt to direct a film on Benazir Bhutto after Bhutto’s Assassination. Mahesh Bhatt of course agreed and Shabana Azmi was considered for the role of Benazir. Mahesh Bhatt was willing to go through all the hurdles to get this indo-pak collaboration off the ground but life has its own twists and turns.


Asif Zardari is not fond of this idea, don’t worry, he is not asking for 10% of the profits, he is saying that Benazir promised Robert Redford that only Redford would make a film on Benazir. Now Mahesh Bhatt and Anila khan are in talks with Redford and if he gives the green signal, they would go ahead.

Why in the hell should Robert Redford make a film about Benazir? Does he understand Pakistani politics? The sentiment on the ground? Why would any Pakistani want to see what does the west think about Benazir Bhutto? I want to see how Pakistanis felt about her. Shabana Azmi would definitely do justice to the role of Benazir as she herself is a politician of some sorts and an excellent actress.

If there ever is a Bhutto movie, it should be at least written by a Pakistani writer. Shoaib Mansoor would make an excellent director.