We did not give consent for a film on Benazir Bhutto: Bakhtawar

KARACHI: Rumours have been buzzing about a Benazir Bhutto biopic in the pipeline for some time now but those rumours were given a new life when Mehwish Hayat recently took to her Instagram to hint that she may be playing the late Prime Minister in an upcoming film.

"We have broken glass ceilings, we have broken the stereotypes, and we have been and continue to be prepared to go the extra mile, to be judged by unrealistic standards, to be held more accountable." Today would have been Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's 65th birthday. It is an ideal time to reflect on her undoubted achievements. I have never really been a political person but leaving that aside there is no denying the great strides she made for women's empowerment and equality in our country – everything we are still fighting for even today. There was a time when she made women believe that almost anything was possible – she gave us hope and inspired us to reach for the stars. I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to research and learn more about her life and sitting here I can only reflect on so much more that could have been had she not lost her life so tragically. The sign of a true leader is the legacy they leave behind and the reverence with which the people remember her irrespective of party allegiances. She was a truly remarkable woman and I look forward to giving life to her story soon. ☑️ #MH #MehwishHayat #lostinreality

A post shared by Mehwish Hayat (@mehwishhayatofficial) on Jun 21, 2018 at 7:02am PDT

Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, Benazir’s eldest daughter, immediately addressed the rumours regarding this film. She also threatened to take legal action against the filmmakers for failing to take permission from Benazir’s children.

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

Hayat seemed apologetic for the way the news has broken out. She immediately responded to Bakhtawar’s claims, stating that the project was in a very early stage.

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