Bollywood actor John Abraham has made a mark for himself in the industry as an action star. Over the years, he has played many ‘nationalistic’ characters that would do anything for their country. Known for playing in intense and action-driven films, his upcoming film The Diplomat is all set to release this Friday, on the occasion of Holi. Based on the true story of Uzma Ahmed, it shows the will power of an Indian envoy to make sure that she reaches her home safely. While he essays the role of J.P. Singh in the film, Sadia Khateeb plays the role of Uzma in the film. Ahead of the release of the film, let’s delve into who Uzma was and what her real story is.
J.P. Singh, an experienced Indian diplomat, living in Pakistan’s life turns upside down when one day a woman named Uzma Ahmed rushes to the High Commission of India in Islamabad, claiming that she is an Indian citizen who has been forcibly brought to Pakistan. Finding himself in the midst of an international battle for her custody, so that she reaches India back to her family, he gears up to deal with all the high pressure situations.
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To understand the story of Uzma Ahmed, let’s go to the very beginning, where she met a Pakistani citizen Tahir Ali, in Malaysia. Love blossomed between them, however, her love-filled days were soon turned into a nightmare after she travelled to Pakistan to start afresh with Ali. However, upon reaching there she came to know that he was already married and had four kids. She was forced to marry him. After much trials, she escaped to the High Commission of India in Islamabad.
However, getting into the embassy wasn’t simple. According to media reports, an Indian diplomatic couple pretended to be Uzma’s relatives and persuaded Ali to let her visit the embassy under the pretext of getting him more money. Once she was inside, she didn’t back down without a fight. After talking to her and getting to know her story, J.P. Singh made a call to the then External Affairs Minister, the late Sushma Swaraj, who instructed him to authenticate Uzma and ensure her safety. They even went as far as to give her shelter in the embassy for many years.
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While she was safe inside the embassy, Ali and his men wandered around the High Commission with an aim to strong-arm her and get her back. Traumatasied by the event, Uzma expressed that she would rather be poisoned than be handed over to them. Just as Indian officials were dealing with Uzma’s case, the International Court of Justice was dealing with another case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national accused of espionage in Pakistan.
Figuring out that Ali was preparing to take the legal route, Indian officials prevented the situation by filing a petition themselves in the Islamabad High Court. Despite a tense legal battle, the court ultimately ruled in Uzma’s favour and Singh personally escorted her back to India, safely, and she reunited with her family.
It is to be noted that, directed by Shivam Nair, The Diplomat will be released on the big screens on March 14, 2025. The film stars John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, Kumud Mishra, and Sharib Hashmi, and others.