It was earlier reported that filmmakers Sameer Dixit, Jatish Varma and Girish Johar have acquired the rights to the story of Delhi girl Uzma Ahmed, who fell in love with Tahir Ali, a taxi driver from Pakistan, during a trip to Malaysia, and went to Buner, one of the remotest parts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he lived. Upon arrival, she discovered that Tahir was already married and a father to four children. She was subsequently forced to marry him at gunpoint.
Now, a leading daily suggests that the makers have roped in Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan to play the role of JP Singh, India’s then Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad, who was instrumental in bringing Uzma back home under the guidance of the then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The film is directed by Shivam Nair, who has previously helmed Taapsee Pannu's and Akshay Kumar's Naam Shabana.
According to a source close to the development, Saif will begin preparation for the part closer to the shooting date. “When the team met for a narration Saif instantly liked the script. He has agreed to be a part of the project and will be sporting a very different look in the film, which is expected to roll in February-March next year. The makers are currently looking to cast an A-list actress to play Uzma,” the source shared.
The story is being adapted for the screen by Ritesh Shah who has worked on Pink and other upcoming projects like John Abraham’s Batla House and Shoojit Sircar’s Vicky Kaushal-starrer Udham Singh biopic. “The film will have an ensemble cast and Shivam has already begun pre-production. Recce is also scheduled to begin shortly,” the source added.
Saif is currently in London busy shooting for his home production, the Nitin Kakkar directed Jawaani Jaaneman which marks the acting debut of Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia F.
(Source: Mumbai Mirror)
