Shabana Azmi Reveals the Power of Cinema
Shabana Azmi, one of India’s most renowned actresses, has won the National Award a record five times. Her iconic film, "Arth", is still widely regarded as a progressive masterpiece, tackling the taboo topic of extra-marital affairs.
Distributors Wanted to Change the Ending
In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, Shabana Azmi revealed that the distributors of "Arth" wanted to alter the film’s ending. They asked her and director Mahesh Bhatt to change the scene where a wife rejects her cheating husband’s apology. However, the duo refused to compromise, insisting that the film’s message was too important to be altered.
Impact on Society
Shabana Azmi’s revelation highlights the immense power of cinema to shape societal attitudes and inspire change. She shared that women from all walks of life began reaching out to her for help after the film’s release, seeking guidance on dealing with their own marital problems. This experience reinforced her understanding of the responsibility that comes with being an actor and the impact that cinema can have on society.
The Making of "Arth"
"Arth" is loosely based on Mahesh Bhatt’s own extra-marital affair with Parveen Babi. The film tells the story of Inder, a successful director who leaves his wife Pooja (played by Shabana Azmi) for an extra-marital affair with actress Kavita (played by Smita Patil).
Shabana Azmi’s National Awards
Shabana Azmi has won the National Award for Best Actress five times, for her outstanding performances in "Arth", "Ankur", "Kandahar", "Paar", and "Godmother".