Veteran actress Shabana Azmi will be honored with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award at the upcoming MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. This recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions to Indian cinema over an illustrious five-decade career. In tribute to her work, the festival will also feature a special screening of her critically acclaimed film, Arth.

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the Festival Director, expressed his excitement in honoring Azmi’s legacy. “It is a privilege for MAMI to honor Shabana Azmi, an iconic actor, with the Excellence in Cinema Award this year,” he said.

Azmi’s versatility and the unforgettable characters she has portrayed, beginning with her award-winning debut in Ankur in 1974, were highlighted by Dungarpur. Throughout her career, she has portrayed strong, independent women, making a lasting impact on Indian cinema.

This isn’t the first time Azmi has been recognized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI). In 1999, the festival celebrated 25 years of her career. Now, as she marks 50 years in the industry, her performances continue to captivate audiences.

The Excellence in Cinema Award will be presented to Azmi on October 18. Additionally, on October 19, she will participate in a masterclass hosted by National Award-winning actor Vidya Balan. The session will offer a deep dive into Azmi’s acting journey and the lessons she has learned throughout her diverse career.

Recently, Azmi reflected on her incredible 50-year career at the IIFA Awards 2024. In an interview, she shared her gratitude and disbelief at her longevity in the industry. “I’m overwhelmed,” she said. “When my first film, Ankur, released on September 24, 1974, I couldn’t have imagined I’d still be working 50 years later.”

Azmi expressed appreciation for the opportunity to continue doing meaningful work, which is rare in such a long-standing career. From her debut in Ankur, which earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress, to her roles in films like Mandi, Fire, Arth, and Godmother, she has always taken on complex and challenging roles. Known for portraying characters that resonate with the realities and struggles of Indian women, Azmi has become not just an actor but also a voice for social change.

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