Shabana Azmi

Date of Birth: September 18, 1950

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Shabana Azmi is an acclaimed Indian actress known for her work in Hindi cinema as well as in television and theatre. Born on September 18, 1950, in Hyderabad, India, she is the daughter of renowned poet Kaifi Azmi and stage actress Shaukat Azmi. Shabana Azmi has carved a niche for herself with her powerful performances in both mainstream and parallel cinema. She made her film debut in 1974 with Shyam Benegal’s “Ankur,” for which she won her first National Film Award for Best Actress. Over the decades, she has appeared in more than 100 films, receiving numerous accolades including five National Film Awards and several international honors. Some of her notable films include “Arth,” “Paar,” “Masoom,” “Fire,” and “Godmother.” Apart from her acting career, Shabana Azmi is also known for her social activism. She has been involved in various causes such as women’s rights, child survival, and AIDS awareness. She was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament, for her contributions to Indian cinema and her social work.

5 Interesting Facts about Shabana Azmi

1. Shabana Azmi is one of the few Indian actresses to have received the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actress five times.

2. She married famous poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar in 1984, becoming a part of one of India’s most illustrious literary and film families.

3. Shabana Azmi has received international recognition and has served on the jury of several prestigious film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival.

4. She is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA).

5. Shabana Azmi has a degree in Psychology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and is a graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Shabana Azmi

1. “Art should provoke and make you think. It should not be a mere escapist entertainment.”

2. “Cinema is a reflection of society, and it is not my job to censor it. My job is to act and to provoke thought.”

3. “I think the biggest gift you can give yourself or anyone else is unconditional love.”

4. “I believe that change begins with individuals, and each one of us has the power to make a difference.”

5. “Acting is about being true to the moment, and if you are, then the audience will believe in your character.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Shabana Azmi’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Shabana Azmi does not have biological children. However, she is a stepmother to Javed Akhtar’s children from his first marriage: Zoya Akhtar, a renowned filmmaker, and Farhan Akhtar, an acclaimed actor, director, and singer.