Last week, the indomitable Shabana Azmi has finished attending The Three Continents Festival (Festival des 3 Continents) at Nantes in France where she honoured for 50 years of acting.
The audience gave her a standing ovation.
“It was overwhelming, to say the least. I am an Indian actor, and my core audience is Asian. Of course, I know my films have gone beyond the Asian diaspora. But to know that it has gone so far, that my films are watched by so many, is a sobering experience. I can’t say I deserve so much praise,” says Shabana emotionally.
The formidable actress, considered the finest living Indian actress by many, has special words for the learned audience at Nantes. “They do their homework, ask the right questions. They are erudite and eager to know more about our cinema.”
She is now looking at the next level in her career. “I don’t know what it would be. Not direction. I don’t think I am equipped for that. But yes, I do feel it is time to rattle some more sabres, do something that will surprise me as well as the audience. I don’t know what it will be. But it will happen soon.”
Shabana’s husband Javed Akhtar recently said they are more friends than spouse.
She laughs, “Javed has recently been stationed in the US giving out inspirational lectures. He is the new guru, the counsellor for lost generations. He is enjoying the mentoring role immensely.”
