Debutants are honest and desperate: Shabana Azmi

By Lipika Varma and Vivek Kar / Sanskriti Media & Entertainment

As Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) progressed into its fifth day, veteran actress and fest buff Shabana Azmi came down to enjoy some quality cinema. Being a regular at MAMI, Shabana expresses her opinion as to how the fest has gradually grown and reached new heights. “I have been attending MAMI for many years now, and I feel that the enthusiasm and passion of every filmmaker has doubled. They not only exchange their views on this platform but also create a buzz for their movies which in turn increases opportunity for their films to be screened at other festivals. Over the years, MAMI has helped producers all over the globe to come under one roof and distribute their films. Movies which don’t have a common denominator can be showcased here at the Mumbai Film Festival,” says Shabana.

She also talks about the different variety of films being showcased at the festival. Shabana says, “At the moment films which are being made are a mix of modern times and also about our culture. Sci-fi, thrillers or films on gays also need to be informed, one may openly offer films. All we need to care for is a good film which has a strong script.”

Having come a long way in the industry, Shabana Azmi has carved a niche with her acting skills. So we question the ace actress if she has any hitch in working with debutant directors. “In my career I have mostly worked with first time directors. The best thing about new filmmakers is that they are too honest and desperate with their movies. They want everything perfect and ask for one more take to get the best. I enjoy this process because I do think that the first time filmmakers have energy and passion to pull out the best from you,” says Shabana.

And now being an established actress in Bollywood, Shabana Azmi demands a strong script. The actress says, “I started my career with Shyam Benegal’s Ankur. My journey as an actor has been too different. I have held my own hand and walked this path. For me I have got an opportunity where people showed me reasons to reach where I am standing today. And I see no reason to regret. At this point of my career all I need is a good script and continue the journey. Also I have been associated with several non-commercial films. I believe that we need to care for stories which have strong messages for people all over the world, also ignite some kind of a spark into them.”

Speaking about non-commercial movies Shabana adds, “I have done both, commercial and non-commercial cinema. Commercial films have their own charm but films which are uncommon are mostly based on reality. Such films attribute to the factual aspect of our lives and are definitely worthwhile. It is important for people to understand the subject and make the movie. I have always supported a good cause, be it social or a progressive, in our industry.”

Shabana Azmi has had some good international presence. Speaking about the experience, the actress says, “I have been getting offers to do crossover films and I feel whatever characters I have performed, have all shown the Indian culture in the good light. My first Hollywood film was in 1989 and from then my career ran parallel with western and Indian cinema. Till now I have done around 10 Hollywood films. I learnt from my experience that it is about being at the right place at the right time. I got the opportunity to live all kinds of tough characters. I took up more challenging roles and I am very happy to have experimented with such intense characters. Also I got the opportunity to work with people whom I respect a lot.”

And the actress credits Shashi Kapoor to have explored Indian actors on an international platform. “Today, western films have become a part of British cinema. Actors like Shashi Kapoor explored Indian actors in the western countries and gave a new platform. Our visibility in western cinema has just started. Today, the western people have started making films about India. With a new subject, the filmmakers too need to widen their perspective. The blacks have also started getting recognition. This is a great change. I feel that we should go ahead with the modern times, while not forgetting our roots. Progress definitely brings encouragement,” says Shabana.

One of Shabana’s Hollywood films, A Decent Arrangement, which is based on the subject of marriage, was screened at the MAMI film festival. Shabana plays the character of a cousin sister in this film which is directed by Sarovar Banka. Speaking about having the right partner, Shabana says, “Everyone has a different perspective on marriages. It is important for people to find a partner who has similar culture and that they can accept each other. You need someone who will understand your feelings and know your desires.”