Shabana Azmi is one of the most talented actresses in the Indian film industry, whose contribution towards the craft has been immense. She has delivered some of the most powerful performances with independent and neorealist parallel cinema. She is one of the most acclaimed actresses in the country because of her choice of unconventional roles and unique scripts. She has won a record of five National Film Awards for Best Actress. She has also received Filmfare Awards and international accolades. In 1998, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri and in 2012, with the Padma Bhushan. On the occasion of her 74th birthday, let’s take a look at why she is deemed to be one of the most prolific actors in the industry.
Shabana Azmi kickstarted her acting career with the film Ankur, helmed by the ace director, Shyam Benegal. With her powerful performance, she cast such a spell on the audience, that she quickly won the hearts of the millions. In 1982, she starred in the film Arth. The film featured the ghazal singer, Jagjit Singh’s Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho, which is an evergreen track for music lovers. The song featured the actress, and it struck a chord with the audience.
She is the daughter of Kaifi Azmi, a renowned poet of his time.It can be assumed that Shabana Azmi might have picked up the ability to express intense emotions from her father. Her enchanting face and expressive eyes often left the cine-goers in awe of her beauty.
Reportedly, Shabana Azmi was not the first choice for the lead role in Shyam Benegal’s Ankur. The film was offered to others, but ultimately she was roped in. It was during the shoot of the film that the makers realised that she may be the shining star of the industry. Naturally, she received critical acclaim for the film and was honoured with the National Film Award for her performance in her debut film.
She catapulted to immense fame and recognition with films like Khandhar, Paar, Bhavna, Swami and Godmother to name a few.
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