Commemorating a decade since the untimely departure of a revered icon of Indian cinema, the distinguished actress Shabana Azmi has turned to social media to share her poignant recollections and enduring sorrow for her dear friend and colleague, the late Farooq Shaikh, on his tenth death anniversary.
The prolific Farooq Shaikh, who was not just a versatile actor but also a celebrated television host, originally graced the film industry with his talents in 1973, embarking on a career that would span decades, influencing both his contemporaries and the blossoming talents of future generations. After an intermission from the limelight during the 90s, Shaikh made a powerful comeback in 2008, demonstrating that his skill and charisma were timeless. His enduring legacy was fortified with his role in the acclaimed film ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’ (2013), where he portrayed the character of Ranbir Kapoor’s father, winning hearts across different age demographics.
On this solemn occasion, Azmi, a stalwart of the Indian theatre and film herself, reminisced about the artistic journey she shared with Shaikh—a professional and personal relationship that spanned four decades. The duo is especially remembered for their enduring performance in the play ‘Tumhari Amrita’, which ran for an extraordinary 22 years. Their final performance together—a show that fittingly took place in the shadow of the majestic Taj Mahal—occurred a mere two weeks prior to Shaikh’s sudden passing.
In her heartfelt social media tribute, Azmi posted a throwback image alongside a narrative stringing the threads of nostalgia, love, and loss. “10 years… I remember so clearly that on 14th Dec we did our last show of Tumhari Amrita in front of the Taj Mahal,” she penned. Azmi had proposed that they should retire the play on this high note after the long run, to which Shaikh optimistically countered that they should continue the play for another 22 years. A mere fortnight later, Shaikh’s death turned her proposition into a prophetic reality.
The loss of Shaikh, affectionately called ‘Firkee’ by Azmi, severed a deeply entrenched friendship that weathered countless personal and professional milestones. Echoing the sentiments of grief and remembrance, Azmi expressed her inability to ever reprise the role of Amrita without her ‘Zulfi’—Shaikh’s character in the play—by her side.
The extensive fanbase and admirers of Shaikh poured out their homages in the comment sections, eloquently capturing the essence of the man who was not only an actor par excellence but also a person of profound kindness and grace. Tales of personal encounters, recollections of his finest cinematic moments, and expressions of a collective sense of loss have filled social media, painting a picture of a man as beloved in life as he is mourned in death.
Shaikh’s acting prowess and gentle human touch left an indelible impact on those who had the fortune of experiencing his craft and presence. “His movies soothe your soul,” expressed one fan, while another lamented the loss of a cherished part of their youth with his passing. The profound effect Shaikh had on the film industry and his audience alike was evident in every tribute that spoke of his artistry and his incredibly generous nature.
As we mark Farooq Shaikh’s tenth death anniversary, it becomes apparent that the void left by his absence is felt not only in the industry he helped shape but also in the hearts of those who saw in him the epitome of artistic integrity and humanity. In the immortal words of Shabana Azmi, “I miss you Firkee,” a sentiment echoed by countless others whose lives were touched by his extraordinary legacy.
