When Shabana Azmi revealed she was jealous of Rekha after being offered a 'tiny role' in a film: 'What does Rekha have that I don’t have?'

Speaking at the New York Indian Film Festival, Shabana Azmi once openly expressed her conflicted emotions about collaborating with celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair.

One of Hindi cinema's most recognisable and adaptable actresses, Shabana Azmi, has made a lasting impression in a variety of genres, from her groundbreaking parallel films of the 1970s to her significant roles in mainstream films.

It's interesting to note that filmmaker Mira Nair once shared a humorous story about Shabana and Rekha that showed a brief moment of playful jealousy and provided a unique look into the actress's open and funny side.

Speaking at the New York Indian Film Festival, Shabana Azmi once openly expressed her conflicted emotions about collaborating with celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair. Shabana, a long-time fan of Mira's work, acknowledged that she had hoped for a more significant and meaningful role, despite having a minor part in Mira's 2012 film The Reluctant Fundamentalist. The seasoned actress acknowledged feeling a little let down and even alluded to a tense moment between them as a result.

Shabana added a humorous note to her observations by mentioning Mira Nair's seeming preference for the actress Rekha. The audience laughed when she joked that she felt a little jealous because Rekha always seemed to be Mira's first choice. This observation provided a unique look at the amicable rivalries that occasionally occur even between movie stars.

At the event, when Mira Nair asked Shabana Azmi to reflect on the directors she had worked with throughout her illustrious five-decade-long career, Shabana responded with a playful quip, adding a touch of humor to the conversation and said, “And finally, she gives me a tiny role that doesn’t do justice to our relationship or her faith in me, and that woman is sitting next to me.”

In response to Shabana's amusing comment, Mira Nair offered a humorous story about a light-hearted argument she once had with the seasoned actress. She even recalled going to Shabana's hotel to make amends. Shabana teased Mira by comparing herself to Rekha and asking why Rekha was always her first choice during their conversation.

The filmmaker remarked, "“What does Rekha have that I don’t have? Humari pyaar ki ladayi hui in that ladies’ room.”

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Shabana is known for her work in timeless films like Ankur, Arth ,Amar Akbar Anthony, Mr. India, Makdee, and more to her filmography.

Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar's love story is one that transcended societal expectations. They found love while Javed was still married to his first wife, Honey Irani, and despite the challenges, they chose to follow their hearts. Today, the couple enjoys a fulfilling and happy life together.