Shabana Azmi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shabana Azmi
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Azmi at Simon Fraser University in October 2009
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Shabana Kaifi Azmi
18 September 1950 Hyderabad, India
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| Family | Akhtar-Azmi family |
| Honours | Padma Bhushan (2012) |
| Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha | |
| In office 27 August 1997 – 26 August 2003 |
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| Nominated by | K. R. Narayanan |
| Preceded by | M. Aram |
| Succeeded by | Hema Malini |
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Shabana Azmi (born September 18, 1950) is a famous Indian actress who has worked in movies, television, and theatre. She has appeared in more than 160 films in her long career. Azmi is known for playing strong and unique female characters.
She is one of India's most celebrated actresses. Azmi has won a record five National Film Awards for Best Actress. She has also won five Filmfare Awards and many international awards. The Government of India has honored her with the Padma Shri in 1998 and the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
Besides acting, Azmi is a social activist who works for women's rights. She is married to the poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar. She has also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's parliament.
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Early Life and Family
Shabana Azmi was born in Hyderabad, India. Her father was the famous poet Kaifi Azmi, and her mother was the stage actress Shaukat Azmi. Her parents were involved in social and political activities, which influenced her from a young age. She has one brother, Baba Azmi, who is a cinematographer.
Her family home was always filled with artists, poets, and writers. Growing up, she would listen to poetry and discussions, which shaped her thinking. She often traveled with her mother to the Prithvi Theatre and went to social rallies with her father. These experiences inspired her to become an activist later in life.
Azmi went to Queen Mary School and later studied Psychology at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. She was inspired to become an actress after seeing a film starring Jaya Bhaduri. With her father's support, she joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and graduated with a gold medal in acting.
Acting Career
Azmi is considered one of the finest actresses in Indian cinema. She is known for her work in both mainstream and independent films.
Film Work
Azmi's first film was Ankur (1974). In the movie, she played a servant girl. Her performance was so powerful that she won her first National Film Award for Best Actress. This was a huge achievement for her very first film.
She became a leading actress in what was known as "parallel cinema." These were art films that focused on serious topics and realistic stories about Indian society. Some of her important films from this time include Nishant (1975), Junoon (1978), and Mandi (1983).
She also acted in popular mainstream films. These include Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) and Masoom (1983). Between 1983 and 1985, she won three more National Film Awards for her roles in Arth, Khandhar, and Paar.
In 1996, she starred in the film Fire. It told the story of a close relationship between two women. The film was praised internationally but caused protests in India because the topic was considered controversial at the time.
Her role in the 1999 film Godmother earned her a fifth National Film Award, a record for any actress.
Theatre and Television
Azmi has also worked on television and in theatre. She appeared in a TV soap opera called Anupamaa.
On stage, she is famous for the play Tumhari Amrita, which she performed with actor Farooq Sheikh for many years. She has also acted in international plays, including a version of A Doll's House in Singapore. She says that performing live on stage is a special thrill.
Personal Life
On December 9, 1984, Shabana Azmi married Javed Akhtar, a famous poet, lyricist, and screenwriter. This made her part of the well-known Akhtar-Azmi film family. Javed Akhtar has two children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, from his previous marriage.
Azmi's family was initially concerned about her decision, but her father trusted her judgment and gave his blessing. She has said this was one of the most important moments of her life.
Her nieces, Farah Naaz and Tabu, are also famous Indian actresses.
Activism and Social Work
Shabana Azmi is a dedicated social activist. She uses her fame to bring attention to important issues.
Fighting for People's Rights
Azmi has fought for the rights of people living in slums. In 1986, she went on a five-day hunger strike to demand better housing for people whose homes were torn down in Mumbai. Her efforts helped them get new land to build homes.
She has also worked for peace and harmony between different religious communities. In 1989, she joined a four-day march for communal harmony. She has supported victims of earthquakes and riots, helping them rebuild their lives.
Health and Awareness Campaigns
As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Azmi has worked to improve women's health. She has spoken about the need for safe family planning and better healthcare for mothers and children.
She has also been a strong voice in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She appeared in a famous TV advertisement to teach people that the illness does not spread by touch. In the ad, she hugged a child and said, "Only love spreads by touch." She has also worked with organizations to create educational videos about HIV prevention.
Legacy and Recognition
Shabana Azmi is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema. Critics and audiences praise her for her powerful and realistic performances. She is known for her ability to play a wide range of characters.
Magazines and critics have often placed her on lists of the best Indian actresses of all time. Her performance in her first film, Ankur, is often called one of the best debuts ever in Bollywood.
Her work has inspired many other actors. She has shown that films can be a powerful tool for social change.
Awards and Honours
Shabana Azmi has won many awards for her acting and social work.
National Film Awards
Azmi has won the National Film Award for Best Actress five times:
- 1975: Ankur
- 1983: Arth
- 1984: Khandhar
- 1985: Paar
- 1999: Godmother
Filmfare Awards
She has won several Filmfare Awards, including:
- Best Actress for Swami (1978), Arth (1984), and Bhavna (1985).
- Best Supporting Actress for Neerja (2017) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2024).
- Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
Civilian Honours
- Padma Shri (1988): India's fourth-highest civilian award.
- Padma Bhushan (2012): India's third-highest civilian award.
International Awards
- 1996: Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival for Fire.
- 1996: Outstanding Actress award at L.A. Outfest for Fire.
She has also received several honorary doctorates from universities around the world for her contributions to art and society.
See also
In Spanish: Shabana Azmi para niños
