Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmis cinematic choices are a reflection of her ideologies and matters close to her heart. She, for decades, represented the Indian Parallel Cinema Movement of the 1970s and 1980s. An Indian film and theater actress, Shabana Azmi has worked with celebrated art-house filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy, Shyam Benegal and Aparna Sen. Through her films, the actress has attempted to bring to light many societal issues like women exploitation, problems of minorities and communalism. In a career spanning 40 years, Azmi has appeared in some path-breaking films such as Ankur (1974), Nishant (1975), Sparsh (1980), Arth (1982), and Godmother (1999). For her contribution to the field of performing arts, the multiple National Film Award recipient was honored with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 1988, and with Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, in 2012.

Apart from being an actress par excellence, Shabana Azmi is a passionate philanthropist and has been extremely vocal about womens rights. A Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations Population Fund, she is also a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Did you Know?
1. Since 1989, Shabana Azmi has been a member of the National Integration Council, which is a group of politicians and public figures, who help deal with the problems of communalism, casteism, and regionalism in India. The council is headed by the Prime Minister of India.

2. As of 2016, Shabana Azmi has been the recipient of five National Film Awards for her performances in Ankur (1974), Arth (1982), Khandhar (1984), Paar (1985), and Godmother (1999).

3.It was the famous actress Jaya Bachchan who inspired Shabana Azmi to become an actor. She watched the senior actor in a diploma film, Suman, back in her college days. It was Jaya Bachchans phenomenal and sincere performance, which struck a chord with Shabana Azmi and she decided to join FTII.

4. Shabana Azmi has acted in more than a 100 films, which include several parallel and commercial projects in India and internationally.

5. Widely considered an art-house performer, Shabana Azmi as given several hits with arguably Indian cinemas first superstar Rajesh Khanna, namely- Karm (1977), Amar Deep (1979), Thodisi Bewafaii (1980), Ashanti (1982), Avtaar (1983), Aaj Ka MLA. Ram Avtar (1984), and Nasihat (1986). She considers him as one of her favorite stars, often describing his vibe as unattainable, yet approachable,''