Shabana Azmi's groundbreaking contribution: Redefining portrayal of women on screen

By Harsh Thakor*

Shabana Azmi has made a groundbreaking contribution to Indian art cinema, redefining the portrayal of women on screen. Celebrating 50 years in the film industry since her debut in Ankur (1974), she was instrumental in pioneering art films in Bollywood during the 1970s. Shabana introduced the unconventional heroine, exploring unexplored territories in women's acting. Renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray remarked in his book Our Films, Their Films: "In her very first film, Shabana Azmi establishes herself as the finest dramatic actress in the country."

Contributions to Acting

Shabana Azmi has portrayed progressive roles that delved deeply into themes of women's oppression, rebellion, and complex social issues. Her performances were marked by sensitivity, intensity, and a rare grace, embodying a unique blend of composure and fiery conviction. She brought psychological depth to her characters, portraying a wide range of emotions and leaving an indelible impact on Indian cinema. Shabana’s acting was often an antithesis to the stereotypical Bollywood heroine, and her roles highlighted the fight for justice and equality with unmatched subtlety and power.

While she may not have possessed the beauty of contemporaries like Hema Malini or Aishwarya Rai, her ability to capture audiences with her heartfelt expressions and performances placed her among the finest actors in Indian cinema.

Social Activism

Beyond cinema, Shabana Azmi has been a relentless advocate for social justice, championing causes like women's rights, minority rights, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. She leads the Mijwan Welfare Society, an NGO focused on empowering rural girls through education, skill development, and health initiatives. Mijwan has become a global model for rural development.

Shabana has also spoken out against issues such as social injustice and the commodification of Bollywood, though some critics argue she hasn’t been as vocal on broader systemic issues like economic oppression or political dissent.

Iconic Films

Ankur (1974): In her debut, Azmi portrayed Laxmi, a woman navigating feudal oppression and personal struggles in rural India. Her nuanced performance captured the complexities of rebellion and resilience.

Nishant (1975): Set against the backdrop of feudal Telangana, Azmi portrayed Sushila, a victim of oppression who rebels against patriarchal exploitation, delivering an unforgettable performance.

Arth (1982): As Kavita, a wife grappling with her husband’s infidelity, Azmi brought depth and subtlety to a role that explored self-realization and liberation.

Sparsh (1980): Azmi showcased remarkable restraint and sensitivity as a teacher forming a tender relationship with a visually impaired principal.

Masoom (1984): Her portrayal of Indu, a compassionate wife dealing with her husband’s illegitimate son, was a masterclass in emotional nuance.

Mandi (1983): Playing Rukmini Bai, the madam of a brothel, Azmi captured the contradictions of female autonomy and societal constraints with intensity.

Fire (1996): In this bold film, she portrayed a woman discovering her sexuality and desires in a repressive society, challenging conventional norms with raw vulnerability.

Godmother (1999): Azmi played Rambhi, a widow who rises to power in a male-dominated underworld, blending ruthlessness with grace.

Makdee (2002): In a rare foray into fantasy, she delivered a chilling performance as a witch, showcasing her versatility.

Criticism

Some critics believe Shabana did not fully extend her on-screen activism into real-world advocacy. She has been critiqued for not boldly challenging economic oppression or the more reactionary aspects of Bollywood.

Legacy

Shabana Azmi's body of work and activism have cemented her place as a transformative figure in Indian cinema and society. Her dedication to portraying strong, complex women and championing social causes continues to inspire generations.

---

*Freelance journalist

Comments

Grueling summer ahead: Cuttack’s alarming health trends and what they mean for Odisha

By Sudhansu R Das The preparation to face the summer should begin early in Odisha. People in the state endure long, grueling summer months starting from mid-February and extending until the end of October. This prolonged heat adversely affects productivity, causes deaths and diseases, and impacts agriculture, tourism and the unorganized sector. The social, economic and cultural life of the state remains severely disrupted during the peak heat months.

Stronger India–Russia partnership highlights a missed energy breakthrough

By N.S. Venkataraman* The recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India was widely publicized across several countries and has attracted significant global attention. The warmth with which Mr. Putin was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was particularly noted, prompting policy planners worldwide to examine the implications of this cordial relationship for the global economy and political climate. India–Russia relations have stood on a strong foundation for decades and have consistently withstood geopolitical shifts. This is in marked contrast to India’s ties with the United States, which have experienced fluctuations under different U.S. administrations.

From natural farming to fair prices: Young entrepreneurs show a new path

By Bharat Dogra There have been frequent debates on agro-business companies not showing adequate concern for the livelihoods of small farmers. Farmers’ unions have often protested—generally with good reason—that while they do not receive fair returns despite high risks and hard work, corporate interests that merely process the crops produced by farmers earn disproportionately high profits. Hence, there is a growing demand for alternative models of agro-business development that demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting farmer livelihoods.

The Vande Mataram debate and the politics of manufactured controversy

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* The recent Vande Mataram debate in Parliament was never meant to foster genuine dialogue. Each political party spoke past the other, addressing its own constituency, ensuring that clips went viral rather than contributing to meaningful deliberation. The objective was clear: to construct a Hindutva narrative ahead of the Bengal elections. Predictably, the Lok Sabha will likely expunge the opposition’s “controversial” remarks while retaining blatant inaccuracies voiced by ministers and ruling-party members. The BJP has mastered the art of inserting distortions into parliamentary records to provide them with a veneer of historical legitimacy.

A comrade in culture and controversy: Yao Wenyuan’s revolutionary legacy

By Harsh Thakor* This year marks two important anniversaries in Chinese revolutionary history—the 20th death anniversary of Yao Wenyuan, and the 50th anniversary of his seminal essay "On the Social Basis of the Lin Biao Anti-Party Clique". These milestones invite reflection on the man whose pen ignited the first sparks of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and whose sharp ideological interventions left an indelible imprint on the political and cultural landscape of socialist China.

The cost of being Indian: How inequality and market logic redefine rights

By Vikas Gupta We, the people of India, are engaged in a daily tryst—read: struggle—for basic human rights. For the seemingly well-to-do, the wish list includes constant water supply, clean air, safe roads, punctual public transportation, and crime-free neighbourhoods. For those further down the ladder, the struggle is starker: food that fills the stomach, water that doesn’t sicken, medicines that don’t kill, houses that don’t flood, habitats at safe distances from polluted streams or garbage piles, and exploitation-free environments in the public institutions they are compelled to navigate.

Why India must urgently strengthen its policies for an ageing population

By Bharat Dogra A quiet but far-reaching demographic transformation is reshaping much of the world. As life expectancy rises and birth rates fall, societies are witnessing a rapid increase in the proportion of older people. This shift has profound implications for public policy, and the need to strengthen frameworks for healthy and secure ageing has never been more urgent. India is among the countries where these pressures will intensify most sharply in the coming decades.

Thota Sitaramaiah: An internal pillar of an underground organisation

By Harsh Thakor* Thota Sitaramaiah was regarded within his circles as an example of the many individuals whose work in various underground movements remained largely unknown to the wider public. While some leaders become visible through organisational roles or media attention, many others contribute quietly, without public recognition. Sitaramaiah was considered one such figure. He passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 65.

Proposals for Babri Masjid, Ram Temple spark fears of polarisation before West Bengal polls

By A Representative A political debate has emerged in West Bengal following recent announcements about plans for new religious structures in Murshidabad district, including a proposed mosque to be named Babri Masjid and a separate announcement by a BJP leader regarding the construction of a Ram temple in another location within Behrampur.

Search This Blog