The dual identities of an actor and also an activist have been imbedded in her works. But, what would Shabana Azmi love to be recognised as?
Firebrand actor Shabana Azmi on her relationship with husband Javed Akhtar and more
“It’s when your hair and nails are all done and you are decked up in chiffons, the grace and attitude just come out.” No, it’s not an air kissing socialite but Shabana Azmi, the name synonymous with meaningful cinema, speaking of on her role in the upcoming, ‘Loins of Punjab Presents.’
She plays Rrita, a New Jersey-based socialite, aiming to win the ‘Desi Idol’ contest. “She wants to donate the prize to charity, but uses all the uncharitable means. The interesting character has its own wicked bits,” says Shabana Azmi.
Though socialites taking up social causes is not new, the actress feels it’s more the merrier. “Many get involved with charity because it’s considered fashionable. But many times, they end up doing a lot more. And it’s very encouraging as they are the movers and shakers of the society,” says Azmi who has been involved with rehabilitation of 12,000 families of slum dwellers in the city. “I am not superior in any way in terms of the kind of work I do. Any bit done ultimately helps the larger purpose,” she adds further.
The dual identities of an actor and also an activist have been imbedded in her works. But, what would Shabana Azmi love to be recognised as? “My primary identity is that of an actor. It gave me the access that wouldn’t have been possible for any commoner. However, with time, the two identities have become so much a part of each other, there’s no clear demarcation between the two,” she says with a smile.
On family front, she claims to “enjoy new age film-makers like Farhan and Zoya” and feels “immensely proud of her country” that recognise writers like her father Kafi Azmi to have a train ‘Kaifiyat Express’ named after him. When it comes to husband Javed Akhtar, their relationship till date continues to be that of friends.
“We even joke occasionally that even something like marriage hasn’t ruined our friendship. Both of us continue to be very busy. But we make sure to give each other enough space. What makes the bonding stronger is that we share a similar world view. Both of us lead separate lives, yet stay connected,” she ends.
h_vikas@dnaindia.net
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