In the world of cinema, some beginnings spark a sense of destiny. For some, their path in life progresses with steady determination, recognizing the real significance of long-term goals. Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who marks five decades in the industry this year, exemplifies this idea. Look at her first movie, Ankur (1974). Although the film’s release was a significant moment in Indian cinema, Azmi herself didn’t anticipate it would lead to such a remarkable career.
In an interview with Mid-Day, she recalls, with a smile on her face, saying, “I had no big plan when I started my career.” The UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) will celebrate Shabana Azmi’s 50 years in the film industry with an event titled ‘Celebrating the Golden Girl: Shabana Azmi’ at Somerville College in Oxford today. Additionally, on May 10, she will receive the Freedom of the City of London Award from the City of London Corporation. This award acknowledges her impact on Indian cinema and her advocacy for women’s rights.
Feeling grateful for the honor, Azmi stated that the recognition also emphasized the intrinsic link between art and activism. Reflecting on her journey, she stated that leading impactful movies and popular entertainers, as well as playing a role in shaping the industry’s evolution, had been a satisfying experience for her. She further added that ten years ago, substantial parts for senior artists were inconceivable, but in the past two years, she had done an array of roles.
The UKAFF plans to highlight how Shabana Azmi’s roles have supported gender equality. Throughout her career, from her first film to ‘Nishant’ in 1975 and from ‘Arth’ in 1983 to ‘Godmother’ in 1999, she has questioned the usual ideas about women in movies. When asked about her thoughts on the changing portrayal of female actors today, she acknowledges a significant improvement. Previously, meaningful roles for women were mainly found in alternative cinema. However, she now sees actresses like Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone taking on substantial roles in mainstream movies. Azmi believes that for real change to occur, it must be evident in mainstream cinema, as preaching to the converted achieves little. She finds it encouraging that many women now hold authoritative positions on set. With the rise of female writers, she hopes to see an increase in content focused on women.
But the unequal pay issue persists. Despite this, she stays hopeful as she mentions, “It will [change] when women-centric films start making money at the box office. Heroes need to be ready to play second fiddle like women did all these years.”
In her career, she worked with top Indian filmmakers like Shyam Benegal, Satyajit Ray, and Sai Paranjpye, winning five National Awards. When asked about her best role, she jokes, “It has yet to come.“ Sochne mein kya jaata hai?”
On the work front, Shabana Azmi’s last appearance was in Karan Johar’s movie ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh as the main characters. Her on-screen connection with Dharmendra was particularly noteworthy.
In an interview with Mid-Day, she recalls, with a smile on her face, saying, “I had no big plan when I started my career.” The UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) will celebrate Shabana Azmi’s 50 years in the film industry with an event titled ‘Celebrating the Golden Girl: Shabana Azmi’ at Somerville College in Oxford today. Additionally, on May 10, she will receive the Freedom of the City of London Award from the City of London Corporation. This award acknowledges her impact on Indian cinema and her advocacy for women’s rights.
Feeling grateful for the honor, Azmi stated that the recognition also emphasized the intrinsic link between art and activism. Reflecting on her journey, she stated that leading impactful movies and popular entertainers, as well as playing a role in shaping the industry’s evolution, had been a satisfying experience for her. She further added that ten years ago, substantial parts for senior artists were inconceivable, but in the past two years, she had done an array of roles.
The UKAFF plans to highlight how Shabana Azmi’s roles have supported gender equality. Throughout her career, from her first film to ‘Nishant’ in 1975 and from ‘Arth’ in 1983 to ‘Godmother’ in 1999, she has questioned the usual ideas about women in movies. When asked about her thoughts on the changing portrayal of female actors today, she acknowledges a significant improvement. Previously, meaningful roles for women were mainly found in alternative cinema. However, she now sees actresses like Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone taking on substantial roles in mainstream movies. Azmi believes that for real change to occur, it must be evident in mainstream cinema, as preaching to the converted achieves little. She finds it encouraging that many women now hold authoritative positions on set. With the rise of female writers, she hopes to see an increase in content focused on women.
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In her career, she worked with top Indian filmmakers like Shyam Benegal, Satyajit Ray, and Sai Paranjpye, winning five National Awards. When asked about her best role, she jokes, “It has yet to come.“ Sochne mein kya jaata hai?”
On the work front, Shabana Azmi’s last appearance was in Karan Johar’s movie ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh as the main characters. Her on-screen connection with Dharmendra was particularly noteworthy.
Source: Shabana Azmi on pay disparity: It will change when women-centric films start making money
