I have cine(ma) to support me: Urmila Matondkar on Shabana Azmi

Actor-activist Shabana Azmi has accompanied actor-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar (contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha polls on a Congress ticket from Mumbai North) for two election rallies. When asked to respond to this development, Matondkar reacted with the iconic Deewar dialogue: "Mere paas (cine)ma hai," and laughed.

Matondkar recalled her introduction to the realm of cinema as a child artiste in Masoom (1983) with Azmi playing her mom. "Internationally acclaimed Shekhar Kapur debuted as a director with this film and I remember how ShabanaJi went out of her way to make me and all the children very comfortable. It was a sensitive subject and we were all too young. I remember how supportive she was of me."

Two decades later, both Azmi and Matondkar reprised their mother-daughter roles. The actor spoke with warmth and emotion about Tehzeeb (2003). "I had a scene in which I find my mother has passed away. Given the close mother-like bond I share with her, I remember I was sobbing long after Khalid Mohammed said cut and she consoled me."

Azmi too echoed the sentiments of her young colleague. "Urmila and I share a very warm equation. During Masoom, I'd predicted that she'd be a successful heroine. I now predict that if she wins, she'll be a serious parliamentarian," she said. Azmi further revealed, "I've been her confidante, well-wisher, and friend for years. She is a solid middle-class Maharastrian, whose parents raised her as a realist."

Azmi said she was very happy when Matondkar took the plunge. "I watched her at the public meetings. Her passion and value system instantly strikes a chord with people. Her father was a trade unionist and all the trade unions too have pledged support. Not only that, she has an instant connect with women, youth, and senior citizens and has taken to the campaigning like a duck takes to water."

Azmi also spoke proudly of how Matondkar has shifted with her husband to a 2BHK flat in Kandivali where water is supplied for only two hours a day. "She campaigns at railway stations, public parks from 7 am and is on her feet until 11pm without a care about food or rest. She doesn't drink water because there are no decent public toilets built in the constituency," she said and added, "I think actors have great malleability because we work in both small huts and large palaces and that will hold Urmila in good stead. I wish her the very best."

Urmila said she was humbled to receive Azmi's blessings. While admitting that the glam quotient helps to draw in crowds Azmi said, "Of course people are keen to see you. But if you don't perform the fall from grace is just as lethal because people expect higher standards. Being an MP isn't a trophy. It is a responsibility the people have entrusted you with," said the five-time national awardee, whose Rajya Sabha tenure is remembered even by those in the opposite political camp.

Matondkar was all ears in admiration when told about the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's praise for Azmi's maiden speech in the Parliament. "I only knew of the conscientious Shabana ji, who vacated her government house on the last day of her term without overstaying for even a day and creating a record."

IN GOOD FAITH

• Azmi said she was very happy when Matondkar took the plunge. She further said that Matondkar comes from a middle class family and is a realist 
   
• Azmi went on to predict that if Matondkar wins the Lok Sabha elections, she will become a serious parliamentarian