Harinder Sikka has sharply criticized Meghna Gulzar’s adaptation of his acclaimed novel Calling Sehmat into the film Raazi, calling it his “gravest misjudgment.” Released in 2018 and starring Alia Bhatt, Raazi was both a critical and commercial success, yet Sikka’s dissatisfaction has persisted since 2020.

Sikka described Calling Sehmat as among the top books on espionage ever written globally, emphasizing that the film’s portrayal fell short of capturing the true essence of the protagonist. He alleged that ideological bias diminished the story’s spirit, stating, “The way Meghna Gulzar twisted the story through a leftist lens still pains me deeply.”

Despite warnings from others not to trust Gulzar, Sikka expressed regret over their collaboration, saying, “Errors don’t always come from stupidity. They often come from underestimating how shrewd or deceitful someone can be.” His criticism extends beyond Raazi; he has also voiced dissatisfaction with Gulzar’s portrayal of Sam Manekshaw in the film Sam Bahadur.

As Sikka’s literary work continues to find readers globally, more of his books are currently being adapted for the screen. His ongoing critique of Gulzar highlights a significant rift between the author and filmmaker, raising questions about artistic integrity in adaptations.

Observers are keenly watching how this public dispute will impact future collaborations and adaptations in the Indian film industry. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential responses from Meghna Gulzar or her team regarding Sikka’s allegations.

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Esmail Qaani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, has recently been at the center of speculation regarding his status amid allegations of espionage for Israel. Reports suggest that he may have been arrested, and there are unverified claims that he could have been executed by Iranian authorities.

Qaani, who took over the Quds Force following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani in January 2020, has not been seen in public since the US and Israel’s strikes on February 28, 2026. His absence has raised alarms and led to various theories about his fate.

Known as ‘the man with nine lives’ due to his survival of multiple assassination attempts, Qaani’s situation is particularly precarious. In October 2024, he was declared dead, only to reappear on television shortly thereafter. This pattern continued in 2025 when he was again reported dead by several outlets but resurfaced shortly after.

Arab media has reported that Qaani’s intelligence contributions allegedly aided Mossad in the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, further complicating his standing within Iran’s political and military hierarchy. He was reportedly missing during the airstrike that killed Khamenei and other senior leaders, which has led to speculation about his loyalty and actions.

Tehran has not confirmed or denied the reports of Qaani’s arrest or execution, leaving his status unclear. The Iranian government’s official stance on the allegations of espionage remains unverified, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding his fate.

As of now, the situation remains fluid, with many questions left unanswered. The international community is closely monitoring developments, particularly given the implications for Iran’s internal security and regional stability.

Details remain unconfirmed, and the future of Esmail Qaani, a pivotal figure in Iran’s military strategy, remains uncertain as the country navigates these turbulent waters.

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