Shabana Azmi’s Quest for Authentic Historical Roles and Advocacy for Gender-Neutral Filmmaking

The veteran actress discusses her desire to portray historical figures authentically and debates the significance of ‘women-centric’ labels in cinema.

In a recent interview, esteemed actress Shabana Azmi, with a prolific career spanning nearly 160 films and television shows, expressed a keen interest in delving into historical characters. She highlighted the scarcity of authentic references, noting that filmmakers often rely on cinematic portrayals rather than historical accuracy. Azmi questioned the standardized depiction of historical figures, particularly their manner of speech, and expressed a desire to explore whether they could converse in contemporary styles.

Azmi also addressed the topic of labeling films as ‘women-centric’ and shared insights from her discussions with filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, who prefers not to be identified as a ‘female director.’ Azmi emphasized the importance of acknowledging women’s increasing visibility in cinema, hoping for a future where such distinctions become unnecessary. She advocates for celebrating the unique perspectives that female filmmakers bring to the industry, encompassing a wide range of subjects and genres.

Through her reflections, Azmi underscores the need for authenticity in historical storytelling and a more inclusive approach to filmmaking that transcends gender-based labels.