Noreen, the widow of the slain Pakistani police officer Chaudhary Aslam, has expressed her discontent with the portrayal of her husband in the film Dhurandhar. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, is inspired by real events from India’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly focusing on Karachi’s Lyari area. Sanjay Dutt plays the role of Chaudhary Aslam, who was a notable figure in combating gang violence in the region.
In a recent podcast interview with Dialogue Pakistan, Noreen shared that her husband admired Sanjay Dutt, having been a fan since the release of Khalnayak in the 1990s. Despite this admiration, she raised concerns regarding a specific line from the film’s trailer that describes Aslam as “the offspring of the devil and a djinn.” This characterization, Noreen argues, is not only disrespectful to Aslam but also to his mother, whom she describes as a respectable and simple woman.
Noreen’s objections extend beyond personal feelings; she emphasized the broader implications of such language, asserting it perpetuates negative stereotypes against Pakistan in Indian cinema. She stated, “If I see my husband being portrayed wrongly or any propaganda against him in the film, I will definitely take all the legal steps I can.” This statement reflects her commitment to protecting her husband’s legacy.
Chaudhary Aslam, born in 1963, joined the Sindh Police in the 1980s and became the head of the Lyari Task Force during a significant crackdown on organized crime. Known for his bravery, he successfully took down many notorious gangsters before being targeted himself. After surviving a Taliban attack in 2011, he was ultimately assassinated by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2014.
Dhurandhar centers around an Indian spy operating in Lyari, with a cast that includes Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan. The film has received mixed reviews but has managed to attract audiences, grossing ₹99 crore in its opening weekend, thanks to positive word-of-mouth.
The controversy surrounding Noreen’s statements highlights ongoing tensions in the narrative surrounding Pakistan and India, especially as film industries tackle real-life events from both countries’ histories.