Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, a towering figure in Indian cinema, recently took center stage at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, where she conducted a masterclass that both commemorated and celebrated her illustrious 50-year career in the film industry. Engaging in a poignant conversation with acclaimed actress Vidya Balan, Azmi captivated the audience by delving into the myriad experiences gathered over her extensive journey in cinema, offering a rare glimpse into her collaborations with some of the most pivotal filmmakers in the industry.
Shabana Azmi is renowned for her deep association and formidable collaborations with celebrated directors, having worked alongside luminaries such as Shyam Benegal, Mahesh Bhatt, Satyajit Ray, and Deepa Mehta. Her discussions during the masterclass shed light on her creative processes and experiences working alongside these visionary filmmakers, offering attendees an insider’s view of the artistic synergy shared on set.
Recounting her work with Mahesh Bhatt, Azmi nostalgically reflected on the unconventional approach they sometimes took. “For one of the movies,” she shared with an almost childlike wonder, “we didn’t have a script. I would wear my own clothes and turn up on the sets. But it was like he pressed a button, and I would start.” The anecdote revealed an implicit trust and understanding that transcended traditional filmmaking constraints, showcasing the organic and intuitive process that sometimes governs artistic creation.
A particularly memorable moment Azmi recounted was during the filming of the song “Tum Itna Kyun Muskura Rahe Ho” for the film Arth. She fondly recalled freezing up on the third day of shooting, only to be given a piece of direction that opened her performance to new dimensions. “Just before the clap, Mahesh said, ‘Look exposed.’ That was the best instruction anyone could have given me,” Azmi recounted with gratitude, explaining how it allowed her to deliver the scene with authentic vulnerability.
The masterclass also explored the challenges of theatre acting, an art form with which Azmi is intimately acquainted. She compared theatre to carrying an enormous weight while simultaneously mastering an act of balance.
. “The butterflies in my stomach become as large as elephants,” she admitted, sharing the adrenaline that accompanies live performance. Yet, she pointed out how once the initial dialogue is delivered, a sense of ease envelops the performance. In this segment, she emphasized the unique value of pursuing both theatre and film, recognizing the dexterity of actors like Ralph Fiennes who seamlessly transition between the two mediums.
Vidya Balan, who shared the stage with Azmi, contributed her perspective as an untrained actor. Balan candidly revealed her reliance on directors for guidance and shared aspirations to venture into comedy, citing Sridevi’s iconic comedic performance in Mr. India as a source of inspiration. Balan’s remarks underscored the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the diverse approaches actors bring to their craft.
As the masterclass unfolded, it became evident that Shabana Azmi’s contributions to Indian cinema over the last five decades are nothing short of monumental. The festival duly recognized her unparalleled influence by presenting her with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award during the event’s opening ceremony. This accolade stands as a testament to her enduring impact and the rich legacy she continues to build, leaving an indelible imprint on the landscape of Indian filmmaking.
Concluding the day’s celebration of Azmi’s legacy, a special screening of the film Arth was organized as part of the festival’s proceedings, offering fans and aficionados an opportunity to revisit the sheer brilliance of her performance. The screening not only honored her vast body of work but also acted as a cinematic tribute to an actor whose career has consistently defied boundaries and set new standards of excellence.
In sum, Shabana Azmi’s masterclass at the MAMI 2024 served as an enlightening voyage through the annals of Indian cinema, narrated by one of its most esteemed storytellers. It was an enriching experience for all in attendance, drawing back the curtains on the extraordinary journey of a woman whose life and work continue to inspire generations of cinephiles and artists alike.
