Celebrated Indian actress Shabana Azmi has reached a significant milestone, marking 50 years in cinema, and she has received heartfelt tributes from fans and colleagues alike.
Among her admirers is fellow actress Vidya Balan, who has expressed her admiration in a special message shared via Zoya Akhtar’s production house, Tiger Baby, on Instagram.
Vidya reflects on Shabana’s impact
In a poignant voice message lasting just over a minute, Vidya Balan conveyed her deep appreciation for Azmi, stating, “How can I possibly choose one favourite Shabana Azmi performance? Shabana Azmi has probably had the strongest influence on me as an actor. She was the first actor to make me realise that women could have a voice on screen.”
Balan highlighted specific performances that have left a lasting impression on her, particularly referencing Azmi’s acclaimed role in the film Arth (1982), for which she received a National Award for Best Actress. Vidya noted a powerful telephone scene where Azmi’s character pleads for help, underscoring its emotional weight.
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Additionally, she cited two impactful scenes from Masoom (1983), praising Azmi’s authentic reactions to evolving circumstances.
Concluding her tribute, Vidya stated, “I think sometimes when you watch a performance, you feel that, of course, these are beautiful lines, but that actor has brought a truth to it that very rarely do you see those kinds of moments in a performance. So that’s my love for Shabana ji. No one like her, truly.”
Shabana Azmi made her acting debut in Shyam Benegal’s film Ankur (1974), earning her first National Award for the role. She is a trailblazer in the industry, holding the record for five National Awards, including accolades for Khandhar, Paar, and Godmother. Azmi’s most recent appearance was in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, for which she garnered a Filmfare Award. Fans eagerly await her upcoming project, Bun Tikki, which also stars Zeenat Aman.
