By Nirali Kanabar
Copyright timesnownews
From Ankur to Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Shabana Azmi remains a powerful actress even today. Throughout her five-decade career, the veteran actress has been a part of numerous memorable films. An interesting fact is that Azmi has been a recipient of five National Awards. As she turns 75 today (September 18), let’s take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the veteran actress’ five films that are still relevant today. 5 iconic movies of Shabana Azmi that are still relevant Arth Mahesh Bhatt’s 1982 film, Arth, featured Shabana Azmi as Pooja Malhotra, whose life turns upside down when she her husband Inder leaves her for another woman. She powerfully portrayed the character of a woman who deals with heartbreak, and betrayal. The empowering part of it was the character’s self-realisation journey and being independent. A year after the film was released, Shabana won a National Award for her impactful performance. Ankur The veteran actress made a roaring acting debut in Bollywood with Shyam Benegal’s Ankur. Released in 1974, the film starred Shabana as a poor woman married to a deaf-mute man. The twist in the tale comes when she is caught amid an illicit relationship with a wealthy landlord. Her performance in Ankur was so powerful that it earned the actress her first-ever National Award. ALSO READ – Shabana Azmi Says Married Actresses Are Being Offered Better Roles Than Before: Alia Bhatt and others have broken… Godmother In Vinay Shukla’s 1999 film Godmother, Shabana essayed the role of Rambhi, who rises to power in the world of politics and crime after her husband’s death. The actress’ character arc evolved from being a grieving widow to a powerful matriarch. Interestingly, she received the Best Actress for her engaging performance in Godmother. The actress’ role as Rambhi was quite intense and layered. Paar The 1984 film Paar saw the actress transform into the role of Rama, who is forced to leave the village with her husband Naurangia (Naseeruddin Shah) because of atrocities committed by a landlord. From standing by her husband to protecting her child amid difficulties, Rama had a journey of her own. For this film, Shabana was honoured with National Award in Best Actress category. Naseeruddin, on the other hand, won the award in Best Actor category. Khandhar And finally, Mrinal Sen’s Khandhar featured Shabana essay the role of Jamini. She was a woman abandoned by love and life. The actress depicted the internal conflict of Jamini well on the big screen. Released in the year 1984, Khandhar won Shabana another National Award. While it’s been decades to these film releases, the actress’ impact powerful in each keeps them relevant even today. We at Zoom, wish Shabana Azmi a happy birthday.
