National Award winning and internationally acclaimed actress, Shabana Azmi celebrates her 65th birthday today. The film, television and theatre artiste, who made her debut in 1974 with Shyam Benegal's 'Ankur', has won many lndian and international laurels for her contribution to Indian Cinema. The actress with loads of style and substance has appeared in over 120 Hindi and Bengali films in both mainstream and independent cinema, and since 1988 she has acted in several foreign projects as well. We, at Pinkvilla, look at some of her strong, powerful and provocative characters that has inspired the nation.
Ankur (1974)
This was Shabana Azmi’s debut film which also won her National Award for Best Actress. Shabana’s work in the film has been best described by filmmaker Satyajit Ray – Ray said, "In Ankur she may not have fitted immediately into her rustic surroundings, but her poise and personality are never in doubt. In two high pitched scenes, she pulls out the stops to firmly establish herself as one of our finest dramatic actresses."
Arth (1982)
‘Arth’ is one of the milestones in Shabana Azmi’s career. A woman, who is dumped by her husband for a successful film actress, collects shattered pieces of her destroyed life and finds the joy of independence. This film has inspired many women seeing Shabana’s character of a strong and independent woman.
Masoom (1983)
What happens when suddenly you find your husband’s love child at your doorstep? Shabana Azmi as Indu in ‘Masoom’ finds herself in the same situation when she finds out about her husband’s (Naseeruddin Shah) infidelity. This was Shabana's one of the most memorable roles as a devastated but strong wife who eventually learns to love the little kid and her husband once again.
Fire (1996)
In this Deepa Mehta film, loosely based on Ismat Chugtai’s ‘Lihaaf’, Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das were shown in a homosexual relationship. ‘Fire’ portrayed courageous and a fearless love affair between sisters-in-law who, chained by the boundaries of societal relations, break everything to follow their hearts.
Godmother (1999)
Shabana Azmi was seen in a biographical character inspired by the life of Santokben Jadeja, who ran the mafia operations in Porbandar, Gujarat in the late 1980s and early 1990s and later turned politician. She was bestowed with the National Award for this film.
You can add to the list by mentioning which is your favourite film of Shabana Azmi?