Shabana Azmi, counted among the finest actresses in Indian cinema, is celebrating her 75th birthday today (September 18, 2025). Having won the National Film Award five times, Shabana has not only empowered women-centric films in Hindi cinema but also elevated parallel cinema to new heights.
Entertainment: Shabana Azmi is recognized among the actresses of an era in Indian cinema who made films not just a medium of entertainment, but also a tool to change societal perceptions and sensibilities. Born on September 18, 1950, in Hyderabad, Shabana is the daughter of Kaifi Azmi and Shaukat Azmi.
This family, steeped in literature and art, provided Shabana's personality with depth and made her thinking sensitive. On her birthday today, she is remembered not only for her brilliant films but is also lauded for her work in theatre, social activism, and for raising her voice for women's empowerment.
When Shabana Azmi Considered Quitting the Industry
Shabana Azmi's acting journey was not always smooth. Early in her career, she had an experience that compelled her to consider leaving Bollywood. In an interview, Shabana revealed that during the shooting of the film 'Parvarish', renowned choreographer Kamal Masterji gave her a difficult dance step. In that scene, she had to dance while holding two guns.
Shabana humbly requested him to change the step or provide rehearsal, but Masterji became angry and halted the shoot. He sarcastically remarked, "You will teach me dance?" Hurt by this behavior, Shabana left the set in tears and told her family that she would no longer work in films. Later, the film's director tried to convince her, but she flatly refused.
Later, at an event, actress Sulakshana Pandit advised her, "The mistake is in the industry, why should you leave?" This advice changed Shabana's perspective, and she decided to stay in the industry.
Cried Uncontrollably During the Shooting of 'Arth'
One of Shabana Azmi's most discussed films is Mahesh Bhatt's 'Arth' (1982). In it, she played the character of Pooja Malhotra – a wife who is betrayed by her husband. Mahesh Bhatt revealed in an interview that Shabana did not even take a fee for this film and would bring clothes for herself as well as for Smita Patil, despite both being considered rivals.
In one scene, when her husband's character goes to his lover, Shabana's character is devastated. At that moment, Shabana truly broke down in tears. In Mahesh Bhatt's words, "We all felt that she wasn't just acting, but was genuinely experiencing the pain."
An Interesting Anecdote with Javed Akhtar and Gulzar
Shabana's personal life is equally inspiring. She married Javed Akhtar, the renowned lyricist and writer of Hindi cinema. Once, she asked Javed and Gulzar to write a romantic song on a particular tune. Gulzar wrote a very poignant song on that tune – "Aaja re piya more aa...". Meanwhile, Javed Akhtar wrote a song in a different style on the same tune – "Jaa tohse nahin boloon...". Shabana jokingly says that this shows the difference in thinking between the two writers. People laughed heartily upon hearing this anecdote.
Shabana Azmi belongs to a very talented family. Her father, Kaifi Azmi, was a famous poet, and her mother, Shaukat Azmi, was a well-known actress. Her nieces, Tabu and Farah Naaz, are prominent actresses in the film industry, while her sister-in-law, Tanvi Azmi, works in television and films.
Her brother, Baba Azmi, is a renowned cinematographer. After marriage, Shabana became the stepmother to Javed Akhtar's children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. She shares a very affectionate relationship with them. Recently, Shabana played a significant role in Farhan's production series 'Dabba Cartel'.
