Shabana Azmi Reflects on National Awards and New Film 'Lahore 1947'
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema, holds an unparalleled record with five National Film Awards in the acting category. In a recent interview, she shared insights into her upcoming project, Lahore 1947, while humorously addressing the topic of awards.
Preparing for 'Lahore 1947' and Its Unique Aspects
Shabana Azmi is currently gearing up for the release of Lahore 1947, a film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan. She revealed that shooting wrapped up some time ago, and she expressed relief that the film is finally set to hit theaters. This project marks several firsts for the acclaimed actress, including her initial collaborations with Santoshi, Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, and Preity Zinta.
In her conversation with Variety India, Azmi praised her co-stars, describing Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta as "such a joy to work with." She emphasized the film's powerful subject matter, noting that Santoshi has been trying to bring this story to life for years, with Aamir Khan providing the creative freedom to realize his vision.
On Her Role and Emotional Depth
Delving into her character, Shabana Azmi disclosed that her role involves significant emotional intensity. She stated, "Yeh aurat itna rotee hai (this character cries so much). I haven't wept so much on screen." She commended Santoshi's old-school directorial style, highlighting his certainty and clarity in what he wants from his actors.
National Awards and Acting Passion
When asked if Lahore 1947 could potentially earn her another National Award, Azmi responded with a light-hearted quip, "No one is giving me any National Awards anymore." She elaborated that while awards remain important, they are no longer the primary motivation for her work. Her true impetus comes from her love for acting, which she described as the thing she enjoys most.
Plot Overview of 'Lahore 1947'
The film is based on Asghar Wajahat's famous play Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Ni, and is set during the Partition of India. It follows a Muslim family that migrates from Lucknow to Lahore and is allotted a haveli abandoned by a Hindu family. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when they discover a member of the Hindu family still residing in the house, refusing to leave, leading to profound emotional and dramatic conflicts.
Cast and Release Details
Lahore 1947 features Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta in lead roles, alongside Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, and Karan Deol. The film is anticipated to release later this year, adding to the slate of highly awaited Bollywood productions.
Shabana Azmi's reflections offer a glimpse into the dedication and passion that have defined her illustrious career, as she continues to take on challenging roles in meaningful cinema.
