Shabana Azmi

Personal context

Summary

Shabana Azmi is an Indian actor known for parallel cinema and socially grounded roles in films including Ankur, Arth, and Godmother, as well as the stage and mainstream film work. Her public record includes sustained advocacy for women’s rights, housing for slum dwellers, communal harmony, and HIV/AIDS awareness; she served in India’s Rajya Sabha from 1997 to 2003 and as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador. She has described feminism as equality between women and men and publicly defended Fire’s portrayal of a relationship between two women. Her advocacy and political record are public parts of her career alongside her acting.