Nandita Das Wants Saadat Hasan Manto's Daughters To Attend Indian Premiere Of The Film

The release of Nandita Das' 'Manto' is round the corner, the film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the titular role of Saadat Hasan Manto. The movie has already garnered accolades from across the globe, it was first screened at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13 and now is all set for its India release. Apart from treating the audience with a film that traces the story of the legendary writer, the actor-turned-director also plans to invite the acclaimed writer's daughters Nuzhat Arshad, Nighat Patel and Nusrat Jalal to India for the screening.

Das has worked closely with Saadat Manto's family to know him better also be able to portray him in the best way possible. In a statement issued by the director, she mentioned how the family offered generous support and shared many stories which helped her build her script. Without which, Das believes she would not have been able to show Manto as a husband and a father as he was in reality. She also expressed how much it means to her to share the final product, her work with the family.

Read | Is Nawazuddin Siddiqui As Fearless As 'Manto'?

To be able to bring them to India she has also reached out to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad seeking help for them to facilitate visas making it possible for Manto's daughters to be present at the premiere of the film.

While talking to a daily Nuzhat said that Nandita was in constant touch with her to get a hang of her father's habits, his ways, making sure she depicts the Manto in an accurate manner.

While mentioning how 'Manto' is relevant even today, the director took to her Twitter handle to write, "We are living in scary times when freedom of expression is being threatened. There are countless examples of censorship accentuated by self-appointed custodians of culture. Even people are self-censoring themselves to avoid trouble."

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This Nandita Das directorial features an impressive ensemble of actors which also includes Rasika Duggal, Rajshri Deshpande, Rishi Kapoor and Paresh Rawal. The actor will also be seen yet another strong character in his next 'Thackeray' which is based on the Shiv Sen Supremo Bal Thackeray.

Watch the trailer for 'Manto' here: