Benazir to be immortalised on celluloid

As Pakistan reels under the loss of one of its most charismatic leader, former prime minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, a Karachi-based film company, Skies Unlimited, has announced that it would be making a film on the life of the slain leader.

Earlier rumours that Indian film maker Mahesh Bhatt will be directing the biopic were denied by Bhatt when he cleared the air by announcing that since he has retired from film direction and would not be directing the project. He added, however, that he is willing to collaborate with the creative team for the making of the film.

Rumours are also aground that the noted Indian actress Shabana Azmi has shown a keen interest in essaying the role of Bhutto, and has been roped in for the same. But the production company has said that, they are yet to finalise the cast.

The film is in its pre-production phase. The script will be penned by well known Pakistani writer and poet Aqeel Ahmad Ruby. The producer, Aneela Khan, said that the film will be released across the world.

“The film is going to be released internationally and we don’t want to create any controversy with this film. The basic motive behind this announcement is just to dedicate this film to Benazir Bhutto”, Khan said.

Though the cast and the director are yet to be decided, the production company has announced that Aamir Rizvi will be the film’s associate producer, and Indu Mirani its official co-ordinator in India.

A fair amount of the film will of course be shot in Pakistan, but a few scenes might also be shot in India. Mahesh Bhatt, who has always shown a keen interest in promoting Pakistani films and talent, is eagerly looking forward to the biopic.

Bhatt has made it clear that, the film should have the approval of not only Bhutto’s family, but also the political front she headed (Pakistan People’s Party), as well as the Government of Pakistan.