There are actors you admire for their talent. And then there are rare individuals you admire for the life they choose to live. I have never really known Shabana Azmi personally, but I have long admired her for reasons that go far beyond her extraordinary career in cinema.
For over four decades, I have watched her champion those who rarely have anyone to champion them. Rural women, slum dwellers, victims of communal violence, campaigns for gender equality and public health… causes have come and gone, governments have changed, but Shabana’s commitment has remained unwavering. Even today, at 75, despite living with asthma, she stood shoulder to shoulder with student protesters at Jantar Mantar last week, facing police action and tear gas. For her, activism isn’t a public posture. It is a lifelong, bone-deep commitment.
I witnessed that conviction firsthand one unforgettable evening in March 1992. It was during the early run of ‘Tumhari Amrita’, the now-legendary stage production starring Shabana Azmi and Farooque Shaikh. My friend Feroz Abbas Khan, who directed and produced the play, had invited me to Mumbai’s Tata Theatre for what promised to be an evening of quiet theatrical brilliance. Instead, it became one of the most remarkable demonstrations of professionalism I have ever witnessed.
When the clock slipped past the scheduled 6 pm curtain, an unfamiliar anxiety spread through the packed auditorium. Then came the whispers. Shabana Azmi had been arrested. That afternoon she had joined slum dwellers at Cuffe Parade, physically standing in the way of demolition squads trying to evict them. She had been arrested and taken to the Colaba Police Station.
On stage, two simple wooden tables and their reading lamps waited in an almost haunting stillness. Feroz’s team came before the audience and explained the situation. They asked if everyone would wait. Nobody left. For almost two hours, nearly a thousand people sat patiently inside Tata Theatre while, not far away, Feroz and Shabana’s family negotiated for her release, reminding the authorities that a sold-out theatre was holding its breath for its leading actor.
Finally, sometime after 8 pm, the deadlock broke. What happened next remains etched in my memory. There was no time for makeup. No costume change. No opportunity to prepare. Shabana walked straight onto the stage wearing the very clothes she had been arrested in. The fatigue of the afternoon, the dust of the protest, the emotional weight of what she had just endured — all of it came with her.
The audience rose as one. The standing ovation seemed to go on forever. It wasn’t simply applause for a celebrated actor. It was a salute to a woman who refused to separate her convictions from her craft. That evening taught me something I have never forgotten. Great acting may earn admiration. Great character earns respect. And Shabana Azmi has always possessed both.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
About Story of Souls
Leave your comments on how you like this story. If you love it, share it to bring that change we wish to see in the world.
You can also share your inspiring story with us at submitstories.storyofsouls@gmail.com. Story of Souls is an initiative where we invite people to bring their stories to us. We want people to “write to heal.” The idea of Storyofsouls is appreciated by ALL INDIA RADIO. An Online Platform where you can share your real-life stories. The impact of our stories has reached the UN and Harvard University. For some real-life stories, web series are also planned. You can also visit our YouTube channel. You can follow us on Facebook LinkedIn Instagram.
Storyofsouls is glad to inform you that we are now a Google News-verified platform.
We are proud to inform you all that storyofsouls.com is the official TEDx MotiJheel Kanpur Partner for their upcoming event.
