Yami Gautam stars as Shazia Bano in "HAQ," a film inspired by the real-life story of Shah Bano Begum and the landmark 1985 Supreme Court verdict that had a lasting impact on women's rights in India. Directed by Suparn S. Verma, "HAQ" was released on November 7, 2025, and explores Shazia's journey as she fights for her rights after her husband replaces her with another woman.

Set in the late 1970s and 1980s, the film delves into the emotional and legal battles faced by Shazia Bano, a well-educated woman trapped in an emotionally abusive marriage with Abbas Khan, a lawyer played by Emraan Hashmi. After giving birth to three children, Shazia's life takes a turn when Abbas abandons her for another woman. Instead of accepting her fate quietly, Shazia challenges the status quo and demands justice, leading to a courtroom drama that captures the attention of the entire nation.

Yami Gautam's portrayal of Shazia Bano has been lauded as one of the best performances of her career, with critics praising her ability to convey the character's grace, emotional depth, and strength. Emraan Hashmi's role as Abbas Khan adds complexity to the narrative, raising questions about patriarchy and societal norms. The film depicts Abbas as a calm and sophisticated, yet emotionally manipulative person, who embodies how patriarchy often hides behind politeness and intellect.

"HAQ" revisits the courageous struggle of Shah Bano, whose legal battle for maintenance challenged traditional interpretations of Muslim personal law and sparked a nationwide debate on the Uniform Civil Code. The original Shah Bano case involved a woman from Indore who sought maintenance from her husband after he divorced her in 1978. The Supreme Court's ruling in her favor, which stated that Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code applied to all citizens regardless of religion, was a landmark victory for women's rights.

While "HAQ" draws inspiration from the Shah Bano case, it focuses on Shazia Bano's personal journey and her fight for dignity. The film showcases the emotional turmoil, courtroom drama, and societal backlash that defined Bano's struggle.