From Ankur to Neerja: A look at Shabana Azmi’s top movie on her birthday

Ankur 
The movie directed by Shyam Benegal marks the actress’s debut movie which became a landmark in the parallel cinema movement. Laxmi, a poor rural woman who is exploited by society and patriarchy, is portrayed by Azmi. The actress was known as a serious and powerful artist from her very first film, winning her first of many National Film Awards for Best Actress for her raw and appealing performance. The film makes a powerful point about the relationship between power and class in rural India.

Arth
The film directed by Mahesh Bhatt was a powerful feminist drama that deeply resonated by the audience. Pooja Malhotra, played by Shabana Azmi, is a woman who faces the adultery of her husband and begins her on a path to independence and self-discovery. Her reputation as a top actress of her generation was established when she won a second National Film Award and a Filmfare Award for her sophisticated and powerful portrayal of a betrayed wife who finds strength and independence.

Masoom
The movie directed by Shekhar Kapur where Azmi gives a excellent performance as a mother and wife whose happy life falls apart when her husband's son is brought into the house. The movie looks at human emotions and complex relationships. Azmi's performance and the way she portrays her character's emotions without using comedy are highly praised.

Khandhar
In the slow-moving, highly anticipated movie Khandhar, which was directed by Mrinal Sen, Azmi plays Jamini, a member of a declining wealthy family who has been dumped by her future husband. Her portrayal of her character's sadness and quiet strength is convincing. Her performance earned her her third National Film Award, showing her ability to give complex and depressing characters personality.

Paar
The struggles of a couple from the underprivileged are the subject of this harsh and powerful drama directed by Goutam Ghose. Rama and Naurangia, played by Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, are forced to move a herd of pigs across a river in order to escape the horrors of a cruel landlord. Azmi won her fourth National Film Award for her unvarnished and physically taxing performance in the movie.

Godmother
Azmi portrays Rambhi, a woman who transforms from a devastated widow to a strong leader and a mafia-turned-politician in this biographical crime drama. The movie is based in part on the life of real-life politician Santokben Jadeja. The actress won a record fifth National Film Award for Best Actress for her powerful and compelling performance in a genre that is dominated by men.

Fire
The movie directed by Deepa Mehta is about the same sex relationships. With Shabana playing the role of a loveless women who later on finds love and passion in her sister-in-law, which was played by Nandita Das. The actress’s bold portrayal of as character who wants freedom was the main landmark of the film.

Neerja
The biographical thriller movie movie directed by Ram Madhyani, which tells the story of a flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life to save the passengers from the terrorists who hijacked their flight. Shabana’s role as Neerja’s mother was appreciated because of her emotional and heartfelt performance which also earned her the Filmfare Award for the best supporting actress.

Mandi
Mandi, a humorous movie about a brothel in a made-up town, is another masterpiece by Shyam Benegal. Rukmini Bai, the brothel's boss, is portrayed by Shabana Azmi. She received great praise for her portrayal of a strong, and delicate character negotiating the political and social pressures of her society. The movie, which also featured Smita Patil, is still regarded as an important work of parallel cinema.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Shabana Azmi portrays Dharmendra's character's long-lost lover, Jamini Chatterjee, in this popular romantic comedy. Her performance was widely appreciated for its romance, charm, and emotional depth. Her lasting popularity and universal versatility were demonstrated by the film's commercial success.