Bhatt, who was chosen to produce and direct the film because of his close cultural links with Pakistan, and after making Awarapan in the neighbouring nation, said, "Zardari stepped in to say we must not make the film until we get their nod. We've stepped back for now." However, preparations continue quietly. Shabana, who bears a cultural and physical resemblance to Benazir, and who is working with Bhatt for the first time since Arth, added, "I'd love to do the part. But the project is at a very nascent stage."
