The vibrant city of Mumbai recently became a focal point for cinema enthusiasts worldwide as the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 celebrated not just the magic of films, but also paid homage to one of its most revered contributants, Shabana Azmi. The award for Excellence in Cinema was presented to the legendary actress, marking a monumental occasion as she celebrates an extraordinary 50 years in the film industry. Adding to the evening’s charm was the presence of another cinema great, Waheeda Rehman, who had the honor of presenting the award to Azmi, thus sealing a moment sweetened by decades of shared cinematic heritage.
In an era where film festivals provide not just a retrospective glance but also shape future narratives, Azmi’s recognition stood out as an acknowledgment of her unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. A special screening of her iconic film “Arth” was also part of the festival’s tribute, allowing audiences to once again experience the depth and brilliance of her craft on screen.
Following the ceremony, Shabana Azmi shared an emotional note via social media, reflecting her gratitude and excitement over the accolade. On Instagram, she posted, “Thank you to @MAMI Mumbai Film Festival for presenting me with the Excellence in Cinema Award, made all the more special because the wonderful #WaheedaRehman handed it to me. Thank you also to @zoieakhtar, @tigerbabyofficial, and #NamrataGoyal for the effort they have poured into this. Missed you #ShyamBenegal.”
As the night unfolded, the words of Shabana Azmi left an indelible mark on the audience. Addressing them after receiving the award, she enigmatically teased, “My best is yet to come. Dil tham kar baithiye, meri baari aane hi waali hai,” suggesting that the pinnacle of her artistic expression is still ahead, an exciting prospect for her fans and the industry at large.
Speaking candidly to the media, more specifically to ANI, Shabana Azmi opened up about her cinematic journey.
. “I’m overwhelmed,” she said. “When my first film, ‘Ankur,’ was released on September 24, 1974, nobody could have predicted I’d still be active in the industry 50 years later. I’m truly grateful that I’ve been at the right places at the right times and that I am still entrusted with relevant roles.”
In terms of her recent work, Azmi was last seen captivating audiences in “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani.” Within this film, she portrayed Alia Bhatt’s grandmother, and her performance was praised for its stunning nuance and depth, contributing to the film’s success at the box office.
Looking ahead, the anticipation around Azmi’s future projects only grows. Her next role will see her team up with another legendary actress, Zeenat Aman, in the film “Bun Tikki,” adding to the buzz around it being one of the most eagerly anticipated releases. Directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, the film also stars Abhay Deol and is poised to create waves upon its release. The production is spearheaded by Jyoti Deshpande, Dinesh Malhotra, and Marijke Desouza as it falls under the creative umbrella of Manish Malhotra’s Stage 5 Productions.
The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival of 2024 was not just a tribute to a golden career but a celebration of a life dedicated to the performing arts. Shabana Azmi’s acknowledgment highlights her influence in an industry that has evolved alongside her, from the revolutionary roles she has portrayed to the breaking of myriad cinematic grounds.
The festival itself continues to be a bastion for cinema lovers and practitioners, a place where history and future converge, and where icons like Shabana Azmi are honored for redefining the narrative of Indian cinema, one role at a time. As audiences rise in ovation, the feeling is unanimous — that Azmi has not just played her part but has indeed been an invaluable force behind the cinematic evolution, promising us that the best is yet to come.
