Aparna Sen's Candid Revelation About Declining 'Ankur' Role
In the 1970s, Shyam Benegal emerged as a defining force in India's parallel cinema movement, bringing innovative narratives and artistic vision to the forefront of filmmaking. His debut feature, 'Ankur', not only garnered critical acclaim but also served as the launchpad for legendary actress Shabana Azmi's illustrious career. However, in a surprising twist of fate, Azmi was not Benegal's initial choice for the pivotal role.
The Original Choice: Aparna Sen's Hesitation
During a recent appearance on the interview show Straight Up with Shree, acclaimed writer-director Aparna Sen opened up about why she turned down the opportunity to star in 'Ankur'. Sen admitted that her forays into Hindi cinema had not been successful, as she never aspired to become a mainstream heroine. "I was asked and I did it. The money was tempting," she confessed, reflecting on her past decisions. "I think I needed the money for something or the other and unfortunately the choices that I made were very wrong."
Sen elaborated that while her choices in Bengali cinema were well-made, her Hindi film selections were not. "The films which I didn't make which I feel that I should have done… one was Shyam Benegal's Ankur," she revealed, expressing regret over missing out on the iconic project.
Why Aparna Sen Felt Underconfident
When Benegal approached her with a synopsis, Sen was intrigued but hesitant. The character was described as speaking Hindi with a dialect interspersed with Telugu, and she would be portraying a household help. "I thought this is so far away and I was going to be the household help. This is not something I felt confident about," Sen explained. She noted that Benegal, being a newcomer at the time, had faced rejections from several actors.
Sen told Benegal that she loved the story but did not think she could do justice to the role. "He said, 'Okay, fine. You just sent me the synopsis [back].' He must have felt bad, but if he had said, 'Why?' then I would have confided that I feel under-confident and he would have reassured me," she recalled. However, Sen now believes it was for the best, as Shabana Azmi ultimately delivered a performance of exceptional calibre.
Shabana Azmi's Award-Winning Performance
In 'Ankur', Shabana Azmi portrayed Laxmi, a woman who takes up work as a maid for a landlord to support herself and her deaf-mute husband, Kishtayya. The film explores the complexities of her life as she becomes entangled in an affair with the young landlord, leading to scandal in their small village. Azmi's nuanced and powerful performance earned widespread critical praise and the prestigious National Award for Best Actress, solidifying her status as a formidable talent in Indian cinema.
A Lasting Friendship and Collaboration
Over the years, Aparna Sen and Shabana Azmi developed a close friendship and professional rapport. They later collaborated on several projects, including the 1989 film 'Sati', directed by Sen, and the 2017 drama 'Sonata', where both shared the screen. Their bond underscores the interconnectedness of India's parallel cinema movement and the enduring impact of 'Ankur' on their careers.
This revelation sheds light on the serendipitous nature of film casting and how a single decision can alter the trajectory of cinematic history. While Aparna Sen's hesitation led to a missed opportunity, it paved the way for Shabana Azmi's breakthrough, demonstrating that sometimes, the right actor finds the right role at the perfect moment.
