Shabana Azmi was honored with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 on Friday, recognizing her remarkable contributions to Indian cinema as she celebrates 50 years in the film industry this year. The award was presented by veteran actor Waheeda Rehman, making the moment even more special.
On Saturday morning, Azmi shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, featuring a photo with Rehman from the ceremony. In her caption, she expressed her gratitude to the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival for the recognition, stating, "Thank you to MAMI Mumbai Film Festival for presenting me with the Excellence in Cinema Award made all the more special because the wonderful Waheeda Rehman handed it to me. Thank you also to Zoya Akhtar and Tiger Baby Team and Namrata Goyal for all the hard work they put in. Missed you, Shyam Benegal."
During her acceptance speech, Azmi highlighted the collaborative essence of filmmaking, saying, "Filmmaking is a collaborative medium. Actors get most of the prominence because they are in front of the camera, but they know there’s a whole team behind the scenes working to enhance strengths and cover weaknesses. Film is a director’s medium. I have never been able to rise above the director or the role. So, I want to thank all the directors I have worked with, from Shyam Benegal to Steven Spielberg."
Shabana Azmi began her illustrious career in 1974 with Shyam Benegal's film Ankur and has since starred in critically acclaimed movies such as Arth (1982), Swami (1977), Sparsh (1980), Mandi (1983), Masoom (1983), Ek Din Achanak (1989), Godmother (1999), Earth (1998), and Fire (1996). Her most recent appearance was in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023).
