Legendary actress Shabana Azmi turns a year older today as she celebrates her 75th birthday on 18th September, and the film industry is celebrating her unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. Known for her powerful performances across mainstream and parallel cinema, Azmi has redefined what it means to be a female lead in Bollywood. From portraying vulnerable village women to strong political figures, her career is a testament to range, depth, and courage.
On this occasion, here’s a look at 10 Shabana Azmi films worth watching – each one highlighting a unique facet of her acting brilliance.
1. Ankur (1974) – Lakshmi
Shabana Azmi’s debut, directed by Shyam Benegal, remains one of her most powerful roles. She played Lakshmi, a poor village woman trapped in poverty and oppression. The performance earned her a National Film Award, cementing her as a powerhouse right from the start.
2. Arth (1982) – Kavita Sanyal
One of her most celebrated roles, Azmi played a woman who chooses dignity and independence after her husband’s betrayal. Arth broke stereotypes around marriage and womanhood, making it a landmark feminist film in India.
3. Sparsh (1980) – Kavita
In this tender drama, she portrayed a teacher who falls in love with a visually impaired principal. Her subtle, empathetic performance made the film a touching exploration of relationships beyond physical limitations.
4. Masoom (1983) – Indu
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, Masoom saw Azmi as a wife grappling with her husband’s illegitimate child entering their family. Her vulnerability, restraint, and quiet strength made the film unforgettable.
5. Mandi (1983) – Rukmini Bai
Playing the madam of a brothel, Azmi delivered one of her boldest roles. Fierce yet layered, she infused dignity and complexity into a character often stereotyped in cinema.
6. Khandhar (1984) – Jamini
In this haunting tale, she played Jamini, a woman living with her aging mother in abandoned ruins, clinging to hope of a marriage that never comes. Azmi’s quiet pain won her another National Film Award.
7. Paar (1984) – Naurangia’s Wife
A raw, intense drama about survival and oppression, Azmi’s role as a rural woman enduring unimaginable hardships is among her grittiest and most moving performances.
8. Fire (1996) – Sita
In Deepa Mehta’s path-breaking film, Azmi portrayed Sita, a woman stuck in a loveless marriage who discovers emotional freedom and love with her sister-in-law. The role was both courageous and controversial, sparking national debate.
9. Godmother (1999) – Rambhi
Azmi played a powerful woman who rises in Gujarat’s male-dominated political underworld. Her commanding performance won her a National Award for Best Actress, proving her dominance even in the late 1990s.
10. Makdee (2002) – The Witch
Showing her versatility, Azmi stunned audiences as the menacing witch in Vishal Bhardwaj’s children’s fantasy film. It was theatrical, frightening, and unforgettable for an entire generation of viewers.
Across five decades, Shabana Azmi has won five National Film Awards, numerous Filmfares, and global acclaim. Her choice of roles – from socially conscious cinema to experimental mainstream films – continues to inspire new generations of actors.
On her birthday, revisiting these films is not just a celebration of her artistry, but also of Indian cinema’s journey in portraying women with depth and dignity.
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