Chaudhary Aslam’s widow responds to Dhurandhar portrayal

Chaudhary Aslam, known for his fearless stance against organized crime and gangster networks in Karachi, remains one of Pakistan’s most talked-about police figures. His on-ground operations and legacy have inspired many discussions, especially around law enforcement narratives in South Asian media.

In Dhurandhar, Aslam’s character, portrayed by Sanjay Dutt drew immediate reactions from audiences in Pakistan. But the most pointed response came from Noreen Aslam herself.

In the interview, she acknowledged that the film captured certain moments from Aslam’s career, yet she criticized what she called inaccurate dramatization and fictional elements. While she did not reject the idea of her husband’s story being told, she emphasized that truth must be preserved over cinematic flair.

Controversy Over Rehman Dakait’s Portrayal

One of the central points of contention highlighted by Noreen Aslam was the depiction of Rehman Dakait, the infamous Lyari gang figure whose role in the movie is significantly expanded.

Noreen sharply criticized this portrayal, calling it misleading and not reflective of reality. She argued that Dakait was not a major mafia boss as shown on screen, but rather a smaller criminal figure whose actual influence was limited to his neighborhood. This, she said, misrepresents the historical context of crime and law enforcement in Lyari and Karachi.

Her comments reflect a broader public debate in Pakistan about Dhurandhar, one where many feel the film exaggerates certain narratives and underplays others important to Pakistan’s socio-political history.

Balancing Film and Fact

Noreen Aslam’s interview conveys both pride and pain: pride in her late husband’s courage, and pain over how events and people are reshaped for dramatic effect.

She stressed that if Bollywood chooses to portray historic figures, it should do so responsibly, honoring both truth and the memories of those involved.

Many fans and commentators have echoed this sentiment, noting that films inspired by real lives walk a fine line between storytelling and respectful representation.

Beyond the Film: A Cross-Border Debate

The reaction to Dhurandhar is not limited to Noreen Aslam’s interview. Media outlets and social chatter have highlighted a wider controversy, with audiences expressing concerns over portrayal choices and cultural sensitivity.

In some reports and conversations, critics argue that the film, despite its commercial appeal, may skew perceptions about Pakistani law enforcement and criminal history when viewed outside its original context.

Whether Dhurandhar becomes a benchmark for future biographical films or a cautionary example of creative license is still being debated, but voices like Noreen Aslam’s are helping shape that conversation.

Chaudhary Aslam was a controversial yet celebrated figure, known for leading operations against organized crime in Karachi’s toughest neighborhoods. He survived multiple attacks and threats during his career, including a Taliban assault on his home, before being killed in a bomb blast in 2014.

Filmmakers often use creative license when adapting real events, which is why stories like Dhurandhar become sites of debate. While the movie’s defenders argue it is a work of fiction inspired by reality, voices like Noreen’s raise critical questions about how history, legacy, and national pride intersect with entertainment.