In a heartfelt look back at her illustrious Bollywood career, veteran actress Shabana Azmi revisits her collaboration with the legendary Shashi Kapoor during the making of the film ‘Fakira’. Starring alongside one’s favorite star is often a dream for many actors; however, for a young and impressionable Shabana Azmi, it was a formidable task. Amidst discussing Kapoor’s generosity and greatness as a person, she shares a memorable anecdote from the set of ‘Fakira’, shedding light on a lesser-known side of the celebrated actor.
In an exclusive conversation with Zoom, Shabana Azmi unfolds this nostalgic memory, revealing how Shashi Kapoor, in his unique way, showed affection and mentorship. She begins by setting the stage for the incident: “We were shooting for Fakira, and the song in question was ‘Dil Mein Tujhe Bithakar’. I was very young then, and when I arrived on set before Shashi Kapoor, Satyanarayan ji was choreographing. The dance moves were very intimate, and it shook me. I felt quite uncomfortable and had tears in my eyes; so much so that I left the set. My heart was pounding because I really didn’t want to perform those scenes.”
Citing Kapoor’s reaction to her emotional state, she continues, “So, I went to my hairdresser and confided in her about my inability to handle those scenes. As I wept, we heard a stern knocking on the door. It was Shashi Kapoor, who stormed in demanding to know what was wrong. Quite distressed, I confessed my fear of doing the intimate scenes. He responded, ‘Why? When you decided to become an actress and said, “Mummy, mummy, mai bhi actress banungi,” didn’t you realize you’d have to do things like this? You’re such a stupid girl,’ and then he left the room.”
In the immediate aftermath, Azmi was left feeling bewildered by Kapoor’s seemingly harsh words. “I turned to my hairdresser and said, ‘How mean is he? Look at the manner in which he’s scolding me!'” However, it wasn’t long before she understood his intent.
. “After about half an hour, when I returned to the set, I discovered that Shashi Kapoor had changed every single move for the song. He had modified the choreography to make it more comfortable for me. This was the kind of person he was; he understood and respected my apprehensions without making me feel lesser than anyone,” she remembers fondly.
This touching anecdote underscores the profound human side of Shashi Kapoor that only those who worked closely with him could truly appreciate. While he might have appeared stern and unyielding, his actions often conveyed a paternalistic care and genuine concern for his co-stars’ comfort and well-being.
Shabana Azmi’s professional journey continues to be illustrious. Most recently, she was seen in Karan Johar’s star-studded film ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, which featured performances by Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, and Jaya Bachchan. In this production, her on-screen chemistry with Dharmendra, particularly in a widely praised kissing scene, gathered significant appreciation from audiences and critics alike.
Reflecting on ‘Fakira’, the 1976 Bollywood classic remains a beloved action film. The story portrays Vijay, AKA Fakira (portrayed by Shashi Kapoor), as a Robin Hood-esque figure. By day, he is an ordinary man, but under the veil of night, he takes on a vigilante role, combating crime and injustice. Fakira’s dual identity introduces him to Neeta, a character played by Shabana Azmi, and the pair navigate a labyrinth of love, betrayal, and moral quandaries, seeking justice in a world marred by corruption.
The gravity of Shashi Kapoor’s contribution to Indian cinema is immense, and stories like these enrich our understanding and appreciation of his artistry and humanity. Shabana Azmi’s recollection not only adds depth to her career experiences but also immortalizes the kindness and mentorship of Kapoor, reflecting the deep bonds formed behind the glamorous facade of Bollywood.
In the broader history of Indian cinema, it is moments like these that serve to inspire current and future generations of actors and filmmakers. Understanding the ethos of iconic figures such as Shashi Kapoor and their interaction with co-artists like Shabana Azmi provides invaluable insight into the collaborative spirit that drives the magic of the movies.
