The widow of the late Karachi police officer, Chaudhary Aslam, has issued a stern warning to the creators of the upcoming Indian action-thriller, 'Dhurandhar'. Naureen Aslam has voiced strong objections to the depiction of her husband in the film and is prepared to pursue legal action if his image is maligned.
Objections to Dialogue and Portrayal
In a statement, Naureen Aslam specifically condemned a line from the film's trailer where her late husband is referred to as a "child of the devil and a jinn". She expressed deep distress over this description, stating, "We are Muslims, and such words are disrespectful to not only Aslam but his mother as well, who was a simple, honest woman." She emphasized that if the final film portrays her husband incorrectly or engages in any form of propaganda, she will take all possible legal steps against the filmmakers.
Naureen also raised broader concerns about a perceived trend in Indian cinema. She remarked on the apparent focus on Pakistani figures, saying, "It is strange that Indian filmmakers find no other subjects but to malign Pakistan." The family insists that Chaudhary Aslam's true legacy is one of courage, integrity, and unflinching service to his duty.
Mounting Controversies for 'Dhurandhar'
'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Its gritty trailer, featuring a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt as Chaudhary Aslam, Ranveer Singh, and Arjun Rampal, has generated significant attention and criticism. The film's promotional material describes Dutt's character as a tough Lyari-based police officer who fought gangsters and terrorists.
However, this is not the first legal challenge for the project. A day before the Aslam family's objections, the family of late Indian Army Major Mohit Sharma also filed a petition seeking to halt the film's release, alleging misuse of his real-life story. These incidents highlight an ongoing debate about the responsibility of filmmakers when their work is perceived to be inspired by real people.
Critics have also voiced concerns over the film's violent content. Prominent content creator Dhruv Rathee compared the trailer's violence to "watching ISIS beheadings and calling it 'entertainment'." In their defense, the makers of 'Dhurandhar' have stated that the film is a work of fiction and is not based on any single real-life story.
Who Was Chaudhary Aslam Khan?
Chaudhary Aslam, born Muhammad Aslam Khan in 1963 in the Mansehra District, was a formidable figure in the Sindh Police. He joined the force in 1984 as an Assistant Sub-Inspector and rose through the ranks over three decades to become a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
He was known for his signature white shalwar-kameez and his relentless, hard-hitting style, which earned him the title of Karachi's "iron man". As part of the Lyari Task Force and later as the head of the CID's anti-terror operations, he led major crackdowns against gangsters, sectarian militants, and terrorist groups including Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
His life was tragically cut short on January 9, 2014, when a bomb targeted his vehicle on Karachi's Lyari Expressway. His assassination sent shockwaves through the law-enforcement community and the public. In a testament to his service, a street outside his former CID office was renamed "Chaudhary Aslam Shaheed Road" in his honor on the third anniversary of his death.
