Film and theatre
Shabana Azmi
A screen career that makes room for women's lives
Her life
Shabana Azmi made her film debut in Shyam Benegal's Ankur in 1974. The performance established her in India's parallel cinema movement, where everyday lives and social questions took centre stage. She went on to work across art-house and mainstream films with directors including Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and Deepa Mehta.
Her performances in Ankur, Arth, Khandhar, Paar and Godmother earned five National Film Awards for Best Actress. Beyond acting, she has supported slum dwellers' welfare and served as a nominated Rajya Sabha member. In 2024, MAMI celebrated her fifty years in cinema, recognising a career that connects artistic craft with public engagement.
Source: MAMI Mumbai Film Festival
Achievements
- ✦Won five National Film Awards for Best Actress
- ✦Made her film debut in Ankur in 1974 and became a leading voice in parallel cinema