From the earthy Lakshmi in Shyam Benegal’s Ankur (1974) to the matriarch in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (2023), Shabana Azmi has continued to be an important figure in Hindi films for five decades. She has won the National Award for Best Actress five times for her performances in Ankur (1974), Arth (1982), Khandhar (1984), Paar (1985) and Godmother (1999). Her ability to methodically delve into the intricacies of complex female characters and handle socially relevant roles has cemented her place as an icon in Indian cinema. This article takes a look at some of Shabana Azmi’s most memorable and powerful performances.
Ankur (1974)
Azmi’s debut film Ankur by Shyam Benegal is a landmark in Indian cinema. She plays Lakshmi, a poor woman married to a deaf-mute laborer, who gets entangled in an illicit relationship with a wealthy landlord. The role demanded subtlety, and Azmi’s portrayal of a woman caught between tradition and desire was groundbreaking. Her nuanced performance, particularly in portraying the quiet suffering of rural women, earned her the first National Film Award for Best Actress of her career. Ankur set the tone for her career in art-house films, marking the beginning of her association with India’s parallel cinema movement.
Arth (1982)
In Arth, directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Shabana Azmi plays Pooja, a woman whose world is shattered when her husband leaves her for another woman. This film explores Pooja’s journey of rediscovering herself and asserting her independence in a patriarchal society. Azmi’s portrayal of a woman grappling with heartbreak, betrayal, and eventual self-realization is empowering. Her performance in Arth was both raw and emotionally charged, and she was lauded for bringing a rare authenticity to the screen. The film remains one of Azmi’s most celebrated works and won her another National Award.
Mandi (1983)
Azmi’s role in Shyam Benegal’s Mandi showcased her incredible range as an actress. In this satirical film about politics, power, and prostitution, Azmi plays Rukmini Bai, the madam of a brothel, with finesse and complexity. She put on weight for the role and chewed betel to get into the skin of her character. Her character is commanding yet vulnerable, navigating the power dynamics of her world while maintaining a facade of strength. Azmi’s performance as the sharp, pragmatic madam, who is both a mother figure and a shrewd businesswoman, is one of her most entertaining and memorable roles. The film, laced with humor and wit, allowed her to show a different side of her acting prowess.
Masoom (1983)
In Shekhar Kapur’s Masoom, Azmi played the role of a loving wife and mother who is forced to confront her husband’s infidelity when his illegitimate son enters their lives. Azmi’s performance is a study in grace under pressure as she navigates feelings of betrayal, jealousy, and eventually acceptance. Her chemistry with Naseeruddin Shah, who plays her husband, is palpable, and her quiet, dignified portrayal of a woman caught in a moral dilemma remains one of the highlights of her career.
Khandhar (1984)
In Mrinal Sen’s Khandhar, Azmi plays Jamini, a woman abandoned by life and love, trapped in a decaying mansion. The film is a melancholic exploration of loneliness and unfulfilled desires, and Azmi’s understated performance brings out the deep sorrow and resignation of her character. Her ability to express the internal conflict of Jamini, who is torn between duty to her bedridden mother and a fleeting hope for love, is what makes Khandhar a standout film. Her restrained yet poignant portrayal is a masterclass in minimalist acting.
Fire (1996)
In Deepa Mehta’s Fire, Shabana Azmi tackled one of her most controversial and challenging roles. Playing Radha, a middle-aged woman in a loveless marriage who develops a romantic and sexual relationship with her sister-in-law, Azmi broke new ground in Indian cinema. Her portrayal of a woman discovering her sexuality and her desires in a repressive environment was both courageous and deeply moving. Fire sparked significant debate and controversy in India, but Azmi’s fearless performance earned her international acclaim and reaffirmed her position as one of India’s boldest and most versatile actresses.
Godmother (1999)
In Godmother, Azmi plays Rambhi, a woman who rises to power in the male-dominated world of politics and crime after the death of her husband. This complex character evolves from a grieving widow to a powerful and ruthless matriarch. Azmi’s performance was a brilliant study in transformation, as she embodied Rambhi’s fierce determination and vulnerability. Her portrayal of a woman navigating the treacherous world of Indian politics was layered and intense, winning her yet another National Award.
To sum up, Shabana Azmi’s performances are not just memorable but have left a mark on Indian cinema. From playing strong-willed women to exploring complex social issues, her ability to inhabit diverse roles with authenticity and emotional depth has been her calling card. She continues to be equally at home in both mainstream and independent cinema, continually pushing cinematic boundaries.
