In the run-up to the release of Nandita Das' film Manto DNA has exclusive information that his daughters Nuzhat and Nusrat will be in Mumbai for the release. They are coming from Lahore by road via the Wagah border and will be flown down to Mumbai along with their spouses.
The filmmaker herself confirmed this while speaking to DNA. "We are keeping our fingers crossed that the family of this great literary icon who is legacy of the whole Indian subcontinent will find the passage smooth."
DNA spoke to Nuzhat in Lahore who lamented that her elder sister Nighat cannot make it. "We were all very young when he passed away a broken hearted man. But almost everyone who met and knew him have spoken of his love for Bombay where he began his literary journey"
She said the family was availing the visa-on-arrival available to the 65+ elderly according to an understanding between both governments. "In the past we have travelled after a visa was given. So we are a bit worried she said."
It is while speaking of Nandita Das that she becomes effusive. "She is such a humble loving person. She has met us and even came and stayed with us. We are confident that she must have put together a great film and are excited to see it."
So are we...