Meghna Gulzar to direct series on 26/11 investigating-officer Rakesh Maria
What's the story
Director Meghna Gulzar and Reliance Entertainment's Phantom Films have signed-up to produce a series on the life and case files of former Commissioner of Mumbai Police, Rakesh Maria. The series will be directed by Meghna. As Deputy Commissioner Police (Traffic) in 1993, Maria cracked the Bombay serial blasts case, and was later DCP (Crime) and then Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) of Mumbai Police.
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Maria's career, a powerful lens to explore crime, terror: Meghna
"Rakesh Maria's life experiences and his prolific career in law enforcement are a powerful lens to explore the chronology of crime and terror, in our society, as a city, as well as, as a country and a geographical region," Meghna said in an interview.
Rakesh Maria
Rakesh Maria, Mumbai's most loved police officer
Maria solved the 2003 Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar twin blasts case. He was also given the responsibility of investigating the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 and interrogated Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist captured alive. "It is exciting to re-live the journey. It's also a valuable opportunity to place before the people the extraordinary work of the Mumbai Police," Maria said.
Producers excited
No premiere date of the series announced yet
Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, Vice Chairman, Reliance Entertainment, said they are excited to bring Maria's life on-screen. "We are delighted to partner with one of the most distinguished officers of our times, Rakesh Maria, to present the courageous accomplishments of his career, and the unacknowledged contributions of thousands of members of the Mumbai Police," he said. No premiere date for the series has been fixed yet.
Dynamic director
Meghna finds real-life stories 'liberating'
Meanwhile, Meghna, daughter of eminent lyricist Gulzar has been breaking glass-ceilings with her two real-life based thrillers, Raazi and Talvar. As a director, she presented stories which received rave reviews. The stellar performance of the films' lead casts got her lauds too. Meghna says she finds real-life stories "liberating" and we are eagerly waiting for her upcoming production on one of India's most-prolific officers.