Shabana Azmi

An acclaimed actress who has over 160 films to her credit, Shabana Azmi has been a dominant figure in the Hindi film industry, particularly within the realm of independent and neorealist parallel cinema. Shabana's film debut came in 1974 with Shyam Benegal's 'Ankur,' a landmark in the new-wave parallel cinema movement known for its serious content and realism. Her role in the film garnered her first National Film Award for Best Actress and a Filmfare Award nomination. This debut established her as a formidable talent in the industry.

Shabana is celebrated for her portrayals of distinctive, often unconventional female characters across a variety of genres, earning her five National Film Awards for Best Actress—a record—along with six Filmfare Awards and multiple international accolades.

Her work, however, extends beyond these genres to include mainstream films and numerous international projects, making her one of India's most versatile and respected actresses. She is an alumna of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. 

Throughout her career, Shabana has been known for her ability to bring authenticity and depth to her characters. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for three consecutive years from 1983 to 1985 for her roles in 'Arth,' 'Khandhar,' and 'Paar.' Her portrayal of a madam in 'Mandi' (1983), where she gained weight and chewed betel to fit the role, exemplifies her dedication to realism. 

Shabana's performance in Deepa Mehta's 'Fire' (1996), where she depicted a woman in love with her sister-in-law, earned her international acclaim, including the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the Chicago Film Festival and the Jury Award for Best Actress at Outfest, Los Angeles.

In addition to her film work, Shabana has made significant contributions to theatre and television. She debuted on television with the soap opera 'Anupama,' portraying a modern Indian woman negotiating traditional values with personal freedom. 

Her stage performances include notable plays like 'Safed Kundali,' based on ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle’, and 'Tumhari Amrita' with Farooq Sheikh. She has also performed in international theatre productions, including Ingmar Bergman's adaptation of Ibsen's 'A Doll's House' and 'Happy Birthday Sunita' by Theatre Company RIFCO Arts.

Shabana's impact extends beyond the entertainment industry; she is a dedicated social and women's rights activist. Married to poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, she serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA). 

Her activism includes supporting child survival, fighting AIDS, and advocating for communal harmony. In 1997, she was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, and has been a member of the National Integration Council and the National AIDS Commission.

Shabana's international work includes acclaimed roles in Hollywood films such as John Schlesinger's 'Madame Sousatzka' (1988) and Roland Joffe's 'City of Joy' (1992). She has also appeared in films like 'Immaculate Conception,' 'Son of the Pink Panther,' and 'In Custody.' Her performances have been recognized globally, contributing to her reputation as a powerful and versatile actress.