While recalling the kind-hearted nature of the legendary Shashi Kapoor, veteran actress Shabana Azmi recently shared a poignant incident that occurred on the set of their film ‘Fakira’. Shabana, who was just beginning her career and had the privilege of working with one of her idols, reflected upon the experience with a mix of nostalgia and admiration.
In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Shabana opened up about a particularly memorable day on the sets of ‘Fakira’. Tarun Sagar’s 1976 film involved a complex storyline and intricate choreography, one of which was the song “Dil Mein Tujhe Bithakar”. This specific sequence, under the guidance of choreographer Satyanarayan Ji, required very intimate movements. For a young Shabana, still new to the industry, this was an unnerving challenge.
“I arrived on set even before Shashi Kapoor,” Shabana recalled, her eyes reminiscent of her younger, more vulnerable self. “Satyanarayan Ji was choreographing the song, and I couldn’t help but notice how close and intimate the moves were supposed to be. Being young and relatively inexperienced, I felt an overwhelming sense of discomfort and anxiety. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I hurriedly left the set.”
Finding solace in her dressing room, she shared her distress with her hairdresser. “I told her I just couldn’t proceed with those shots,” Shabana shared. Her emotional state, however, was soon interrupted by a forceful knocking on the door. What followed was an interaction that cemented Shashi Kapoor’s revered status not just as a co-actor, but as a mentor and a guide.
Shashi Kapoor stormed into the room with a concerned look. “What’s wrong with you?” he demanded. Mustering the courage, Shabana explained her predicament, to which Shashi Kapoor responded with a stern, yet caring advice.
. “When you decided to become an actress and told your mother ‘Mummy, mummy, mai bhi actress banungi,’ did you not realize you’d have to face situations like these? Stupid girl,” he said, before leaving the room abruptly.
Shabana, taken aback by his response, turned to her hairdresser with dismay and proclaimed, “How mean is he? Look at the way he spoke to me.” But it wasn’t long before Shashi Kapoor’s tough-love approach came full circle. When Shabana finally returned to the set hesitantly, she discovered that every single move had been altered to make her comfortable. “This was the kind of person he was,” Shabana concluded, with visible respect and affection in her voice.
Shashi Kapoor’s act was not just a testament to his professionalism but also highlighted his consideration for a young actress’s comfort, blending firmness with an understanding heart. This incident became a cornerstone of Shabana’s career, one that she looks back on fondly.
Reflecting further on her experience, Shabana spoke about how this episode taught her invaluable lessons. The interaction underscored the importance of facing one’s fears, embracing challenges, and learning from the more seasoned colleagues in the industry. Shashi Kapoor’s mentorship, though cloaked in sternness, played a crucial role in shaping her resilience and adaptability as an actress.
On the work front, Shabana Azmi most recently appeared in Karan Johar’s film ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ where she shared the screen with notable names like Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, and Jaya Bachchan. Interestingly, her on-screen chemistry with Dharmendra in a rather talked-about kissing scene garnered significant praise from audiences and critics alike, underlining her ability to command the screen with versatility even decades into her career.
Discussing ‘Fakira,’ the film is remembered as a 1976 Bollywood action classic in which Shashi Kapoor played the role of Vijay, also known as Fakira. The narrative revolves around Fakira’s Robin Hood-like mission to fight crime while maintaining a secret identity. Shashi Kapoor’s character navigates through love, betrayal, and moral quandaries, with Shabana Azmi’s character, Neeta, standing beside him through thick and thin, ultimately seeking justice.
The story of ‘Fakira’ and Shabana’s anecdote about Shashi Kapoor paints a broader picture of Indian cinema during the 1970s—a period marked by deeply emotional storytelling, strong mentorship, and the unyielding spirit of actors who etched their names in the annals of Bollywood history.
As Shabana looks back on her illustrious journey, her reverence for Shashi Kapoor’s unorthodox yet effective methods remains a poignant memory, a tribute to their shared history and the enduring legacy of Bollywood’s golden era.
