January 17th, 2009
Bipasha Basu’s controversial role in Rahul Dholakia’s upcoming film Lamhaa continues to be under fire.
The actress plays the role of Aasiya Andrabi, chairperson of Dukhtaran-e-Milat — a Kashmiri separatist outfit for women — in the film.
Andrabi had earlier threatened to take the film to court over the depiction of her character in the film.
Now, she has attacked Bipasha directly, making it clear that she is unhappy with the actress chosen for her character.
“Bipasha is considered one of the worst Bollywood actresses. She can’t play my character,” Andrabi said.
Andrabi subsequently served a legal notice on Dholakia as well as Bunty Walia’s GS Entertainment, the producer of Lamhaa.
According to the notice: “Aasiya, who is a political personality and follower of Islam, doesn’t want to be portrayed by any actress who is incompatible with her virtues.” The makers of Lamhaa have been given three days to reply and furnish the full script of the film to Andrabi. The politician has reportedly said Dholakia had promised to discuss the film in detail with her before beginning its shoot. Andrabi has alleged that Dholakia never met her.
Dholakia, on his part, said he hasn’t received any legal notice.
He insisted Bipasha’s character was not connected with Andrabi.
“There are no real characters in the film,” he said. “I have made them fictitious so that no sentiments are hurt.” The Parzania director said it wasn’t easy to change the characters from real to fictitious.
“People have become more sensitive after the 26/ 11 attack. I don’t want to take any risks,” said Dholakia, who clarifies his film is entirely pro- Kashmir.
Bipasha landed in controversy after she signed Lamhaa. She had to leave Kashmir while shooting for the film, fearing mob violence.
“I’m not going to risk my life for a film. Who comes to hold your hand when you’re in pain?” the actress said, adding her family and friends were worried about her.
Andrabi had earlier threatened to take legal action for portraying her life in the film.
“If I find any such scene in the film, I will not desist from taking legal action against the producer,” Andrabi had said.
Bips, on the other hand, returned to the Valley on Wednesday to shoot for the film, almost two months after leaving the place.
