Growing up in Gorakhpur, a city that has become synonymous with the rise of Hindutva politics and the political ascendancy of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Adityanath, I never imagined how a film, Veer-Zaara, would shape my worldview and spark the passions that drive me today. Released at the turn of the century, Veer-Zaara became a cult classic ad deeply ingrained itself in the hearts of many in my generation. While many remember the film for its romantic narrative – a grand love story of sacrifice – it made a lasting impact on me thanks to its depiction of Samia Siddiqui, a human rights lawyer who, much like Asma Jahangir, fights for justice and freedom in the name of human dignity.
I have rewatched Veer-Zaara at almost every stage of life. But it wasn’t until later, during my law studies, that I probably started relating profoundly with its themes of love, human rights and justice. As a law student at Delhi University surrounded by Hindutva student groups, I was perturbed by questions of where my life was headed. In that vacuum, I found myself drawn to the theatre. I began working as an actor with one of Delhi’s largest theatre groups – an experience reminiscent of Asma Jahangir’s own brief stint with acting, which she shared in her 2018 BBC interview The Life and Loves of Asma Jahangir. It was in that same year, 2018, that Asma passed away at the age of 66. The tributes opened up the stories of her life to me and I began to appreciate her legacy and its connection to the work that I wanted to pursue.
I fondly remember the opening scene of Veer-Zaara, in which Samia Siddiqui passionately declares, “Azadi har kisi ka paidaishi haq hota hai aur ye haq dilana mera kaam hai (Freedom is every person’s birthright, and it is my job to ensure they get it).” Little did I know at that point that the quote shall become the cornerstone of my participation in the world of human rights. As I ventured further into human rights law, especially in the field of prisoners’ rights, I could not ignore how my own journey began to mirror the struggles Samia Siddiqui faced in the film.
The poster of ‘Veer-Zara’.
Asma’s tireless work as a lawyer and activist must have had an impact on so many young minds like me. Her determination to provide legal aid to marginalised communities, her fearless pursuit of justice even at the risk of her own safety, and her unrelenting efforts to bring peace to South Asia made her a global symbol for human rights. I came to understand that Asma’s legacy was not just about the battles she fought for individual clients but the broader fight she waged for justice, freedom, and human dignity – values I shared.
One of the most striking aspects of Asma Jahangir’s work was how she seamlessly integrated patriotism with human rights. Her deep sense of justice was rooted in her love for her country, yet her fight transcended borders. As a staunch proponent of peace between India and Pakistan, Asma dedicated herself to bridging the chasm of hatred that divided the two nations, constantly advocating for human rights regardless of nationality or religion. This blend of patriotism and human rights advocacy felt both radical and necessary, especially in the current climate where human rights defenders in India are often labeled as “anti-national” simply for speaking out against injustice.
The lessons from Asma’s life have continued to inspire me, especially as I reflect on how human rights work is often marginalised or vilified in today’s political climate. It’s all too easy for governments to frame defenders of human rights as enemies of the state. Yet, Asma’s legacy demonstrates how deeply interwoven the struggles for human rights and nationalism can be – how love for one’s country does not have to mean blind allegiance to oppressive forces, but rather a commitment to improving it for the betterment of all.
Asma Jahangir (1952-2018). Photo: Wikipedia/CC BY 2.0.
I find myself thinking often of another figure who carries forward Asma’s legacy – Nandita Haksar, an Indian lawyer and human rights campaigner whose work similarly fuses the essence of nationalism with human rights. Much like Asma, Nandita believes that the emancipation of marginalised people – whether they are part of the working class, religious minorities, or political dissenters – can only be achieved through solidarity and collective struggle. Her activism, grounded in both Indian nationalism and principles of internationalist struggles and global solidarity , shows us that the fight against fascism and for human rights is not limited to one country or one struggle but is a shared, global fight for justice.
When I think back on my journey, the connection between the fictional world of Veer-Zaara and my own path as a prisoners’ rights lawyer is poignant. Both worlds speak of love, sacrifice, and the unwavering commitment to justice. But beyond the surface, there is a deeper, more profound message – the shared struggles of women, the fight for freedom, and the common values that unite people across borders, cultures, and histories.
Asma Jahangir’s life may have ended, but her work and spirit continue to guide those of us who have pledged to carry the baton of human rights forward. Her influence is part of the broader, shared cultural values that have long connected India and Pakistan – values of secularism, equality, and justice. In this way, Asma’s life and work are not just a tribute to one woman’s extraordinary courage, but a call to all of us to carry on her fight, in whatever way we can, for the betterment of our communities, countries, and the world.
In a world where divisions often seem insurmountable, stories like Asma’s and the legacy of shared cultural values remind us that the fight for justice is not about borders, but about humanity. And it’s this fight that continues to inspire me as I work to defend the rights of prisoners, just as Asma Jahangir fought for the voiceless in the past era.
Vertika Mani is a human rights lawyer and activist working with Defenders Bureau on prisoners rights at Supreme Court, currently serving as Secretary, People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Delhi.
