Her Loudest Choice

Yami Gautam speaks about her latest film, Haq, and why the story of Shah Bano is relevant to every woman, irrespective of religion or social status

- By PUJA TALWAR

In an industry powered by perception and promotions, Yami Gautam has mastered the art of letting her quietest choices speak the loudest. The actor has been winning accolades for her nuanced performance as Shazia Bano in the marital drama Haq. Inspired by the famous Shah Bano case of the 1980s, in which a Muslim woman legally challenged her husband for maintenance, Gautam says the story remains painfully relevant, as women—irrespective of religion or status—continue to navigate a patriarchal society.

"When I was prepping for the film, I asked my mother—it's been over four decades since the case, will the story still resonate today? She simply reiterated what I knew deep down: this is still deeply relevant. It goes beyond the story of one woman who fought for her rights; in her, she embodies all women who are constantly fighting for their rights and dignity," she says.

Directed by Suparn Varma, the film has ridden on strong word of mouth and glowing reviews, remarkable for a story that steers clear of mainstream formulas. As Gautam points out, in today's cinematic landscape, where the industry is still trying to decode shifting audience behaviour, word of mouth remains the most powerful currency.