Shabana Azmi, a name synonymous with cinematic excellence and social activism, stands as a towering figure in Indian cinema and beyond.
With a career spanning over five decades, Azmi has not only captivated audiences with her powerful performances but has also used her platform to champion social causes and advocate for change.
Her journey from a young actress in the 1970s to becoming one of the most respected voices in the industry is a testament to her talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
Azmi’s work extends far beyond the silver screen, as she has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, social justice, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Her ability to seamlessly blend art with activism has earned her numerous accolades and the admiration of millions worldwide.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life and legacy of Shabana Azmi, exploring the experiences that have shaped her remarkable career and the passion that continues to drive her forward.
Interview by Vije Bhatia
Today’s interview is particularly special. I have the privilege of speaking with a renowned actress from India who has been entertaining audiences worldwide for over five decades. Not only is she a powerful performer, but she’s also a sensitive human being deeply involved in socially relevant causes. Please join me as I talk to Shabana Azmi.
As we begin, I ask her about the lessons she’s learned during her journey as an actress, particularly related to women’s empowerment.
“Well, firstly,” she explains, “my background is essential here. My father, seventy years ago, wrote a poem called Oorat at a time when it was believed that women were just supposed to be in the kitchen and looking after the family. In that poem, he said, ‘Come, rise, my love, and you must march shoulder to shoulder with me.’ That was a revolutionary thought. Now that poem, by osmosis, has become a part of me.”
This foundation set the stage for Shabana’s lifelong commitment to women’s empowerment. She recalls, “I was also working with Shyam Benegal, and that influenced my perspective a lot. And then a time comes in an actor’s life when you no longer treat your work like a nine-to-six job. Some of the residue from the parts you play starts to creep into your personal life.”
One film that left a lasting impact on her—and the audiences—was Arth. Shabana shares how the film challenged traditional gender dynamics. “When the previews were held, the distributors said, ‘It’s a very beautiful film, but you have to change the end. It’s unthinkable that an Indian husband would apologize to his wife and she would still reject him.’” But Shabana and director Mahesh Bhatt stood firm. “We dug our heels in and said, ‘We’ve made the film for this reason, and we’re not changing the end.’” To their surprise, Arth became a massive success, both critically and commercially, earning her the National Award.
The film’s impact went far beyond the screen. “Women would walk into my house and talk to me about their marital problems, expecting me to resolve them. It was frightening because I was a very young person who had just done a film. And now suddenly, there were these women who had expectations from me.”
This moment crystallized something important for Shabana. “It came sharply into focus for me that the audiences tend to identify the characters and the actors as one. But it’s also a very important tool. So let’s start working on that. And because you have a voice, not using it constructively would be a great pity. That’s how my work with women started. I consciously made an effort not to accept films that portrayed women poorly or suggested that being subservient to men was the ‘correct Indian thing to do.’”
As the conversation shifts, I ask Shabana about the influence of her father, a figure who has clearly shaped much of her worldview. “The father-daughter relationship,” I note, “is often an important narrative in both life and cinema. How has your relationship with your father influenced you?”
“My father was a very, very strong influence on me,” Shabana reflects, “but also my mother. My parents gave me a very secure, happy childhood and encouraged me to speak my mind. My father wasn’t just my guru, he was my mentor and my friend. I could talk to him about any personal matter, and I knew he’d give me an objective opinion. If I went to my mother, her reaction was emotional and protective. But my father—he was different.”
One anecdote perfectly captures her father’s attitude towards her choices. “I remember when I went on a hunger strike. My Abba was in Patna, and in those days, it was hard to get a trunk call through. My mother sent him a telegram saying, ‘Your daughter is on hunger strike, her blood pressure is dropping, and the government won’t listen. Please ask her to stop.’ So my father sent me a message that said, ‘Best of luck, comrade.’” She smiles. “That was the kind of support I had.”
His belief in her was unwavering. “I asked him once, ‘Abba, I want to be an actor. Will you support me?’ He said, ‘Beta, I’ll support you in whatever you choose to do. Tomorrow, if you decide to become a cobbler—mochi banna chaoge—I’ll support that too. Provided you tell yourself you’ll try to be the best mochi in the business.’”
With that kind of support, it’s no wonder that Shabana went on to make bold choices in both her career and her activism. “I value that very much,” she says. “After my father passed, I took on his NGO, Mijwan Welfare Society, which supports women’s empowerment. It’s a continuity of my choices.”
Shabana Azmi’s journey, shaped by her father’s progressive ideals and her own commitment to social causes, has been one of using her voice for change. Whether it’s in her films or through her activism, she’s a force for women’s empowerment—and her story continues to inspire generations.
