Here's how Shabana Azmi summarizes her cinematic journey in one sentence

IANS April 9, 2025 151 views

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has distilled her remarkable cinematic journey into a single powerful film, "Arth". The 1982 movie not only showcased her exceptional acting skills but also became a catalyst for her social activism. Azmi's career spans an impressive five decades, during which she has portrayed over 160 films, predominantly in independent and parallel cinema. Her legacy is defined by portraying strong, unconventional female characters that challenged societal norms.

"I think 'Arth,' because I think that's the one that started my involvement with the women's movement" - Shabana Azmi
New Delhi, April 9: National award-winning actress Shabana Azmi summed up her cinematic journey with a single word: "Arth." The acclaimed star believes this film marked the beginning of her deep involvement with the women's movement.

Key Points

1

Arth marked her deep connection with women's empowerment

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Five-decade career spanning 160 films

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Pioneering parallel cinema actress

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Unconventional character portrayals

Looking back, if she had to summarize her cinematic journey in one sentence, what it would be, Shabana told IANS: "I think 'Arth,' because I think that's the one that started my involvement with the women's movement."

"Arth," a 1982 Indian drama film directed by Mahesh Bhatt, featured Shabana and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. It also had Smita Patil, Raj Kiran, and Rohini Hattangadi. The film was listed as one of the 25 must-see Bollywood movies. It was remade in Tamil as Marupadiyum.

"Arth" told the story of a filmmaker who is having an extramarital affair with an actress. He decides to leave his wife. Arth is the story of this woman's search for her identity.

The actress had previously shared that when the film was released, women would come to her asking for help, and that is how her work for the women's movement began.

The actress, who was at the launch of Antara AGEasy, a holistic platform for seniors, had also shared that it would be unrealistic to believe that she has experienced everything.

Asked if there is anything she still doesn't know or would want to explore, Shabana told IANS: "Oh, life in its entirety. Because it would be futile to think I've experienced everything. Yes, I can't do adventurous things anymore. That would be foolish, but I still want to do it. I don't want much."

The septuagenarian made her debut in 1974 with "Ankur." Five decades into the world of showbiz, the acclaimed star has a filmography boasting over 160 films, mostly within independent and neorealist parallel cinema.

Shabana is popularly known for her portrayals of distinctive, often unconventional female characters across several genres.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
What an incredible journey! Shabana Azmi has always chosen such meaningful roles. Arth was truly groundbreaking for its time. Her dedication to women's empowerment through cinema is inspiring ✨
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Rahul S.
I watched Arth recently after reading about its impact. The scene where she confronts her husband still gives me chills. Shabana ji's performance was way ahead of its time!
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Anjali M.
While I admire Shabana Azmi's work, I wish she had mentioned some of her other iconic films too. Mandi and Fire were equally powerful in portraying women's struggles. Still, Arth does hold special significance.
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Sanjay P.
The fact that she's still so passionate about exploring life at 70+ is goals! "I don't want much" - such a profound statement from someone who has achieved so much.
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Neha T.
My mom always talks about how Arth changed the way women saw themselves in the 80s. Shabana Azmi didn't just act - she started important conversations through her films. True legend! 👑

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Tags:
Shabana Azmi Bollywood Arth Women's Movement Indian Cinema Mahesh Bhatt
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