Oscar-winning producer Marc Baschet has come on board to co-produce the new directorial venture of Rahat Kazmis Lihaaf, and now its lead actress Sonal Sehgal says she had co-written the script to present the homosexual relationship in a much-dignified manner rather than just as a "male fantasy".
"Having worked as an actor in the industry, I realized that if we need women's stories to be told with nuance and truth, women need to start writing them. Which is when I decided to co-write 'Lihaaf'," Sonal said in a statement.
"And after having researched the subject for months, I decided to play the part of 'Begum'. Lesbian relationships have mostly been depicted as a male fantasy, I wanted to bring dignity and sensitivity to the subject. I hope I have achieved that... both as an actor and as a writer."
The poster of the film was launched at the 71st Cannes Film Festival.
It is based on writer Ismat Chugtai's similarly titled short story. It tells the story of a Begum trapped in a loveless marriage and a victim of the sexually repressed patriarchal society. Neglected by her husband and forgotten as part of the decoration of a beautiful mansion, the Begum finally finds solace with her masseuse.
Chugtai wrote the story in 1942 and was slapped with a case of obscenity.
The film intertwines the story of Lihaaf and Chugtai's trial which went on for three years, and simultaneously unveils the relation between Begum and her masseuse.
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