May 6, 2025 4:42 am
Full News

Shabana Azmi to Receive Excellence in Cinema Award from Waheeda Rehman at MAMI 2024

Indian film legend Shabana Azmi will be honored with the Excellence in Cinema Award at this year’s Mumbai International Film Festival (MAMI), with the award being presented by none other than the iconic Waheeda Rehman. The announcement was confirmed by MAMI Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, setting the stage for a landmark moment between two of Indian cinema’s most revered figures.

Azmi, whose illustrious career spans five decades, has left an indelible mark on the film industry through her groundbreaking roles that continue to challenge societal norms and elevate women’s representation on screen. Waheeda and Shabana, both powerhouses of talent, have shared the screen in several memorable films, including Namkeen (1982), 15 Park Avenue (2005), Jwalamukhi (1980), and Pyaasi Aankhein (1983), making this recognition a full-circle moment for the two stars.

Speaking about the award, Dungarpur praised Azmi’s versatility, stating, “Her body of work over the last 50 years has woven some of the most memorable female characters in Indian cinema. Her performances continue to resonate across generations.” He added that Azmi was first honored by MAMI in 1999, and her 50th year in cinema offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate her achievements once again.

The award ceremony will take place on October 18, followed by a special masterclass on October 19, where Shabana will engage in conversation with actress Vidya Balan, reflecting on her extraordinary journey and the evolution of Indian cinema. To commemorate her legacy, MAMI will also screen her critically acclaimed film Arth (1982), which earned her one of five National Film Awards for Best Actress.

Shabana Azmi’s career is a testament to her ability to breathe life into complex, nuanced characters. From her fearless debut in Ankur (1974) to her unforgettable role in Arth, she has consistently portrayed women who challenge societal norms and navigate life’s complexities with depth and empathy. Her performances have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike, solidifying her as one of the most influential actresses in Indian cinema.

Her recent accolades, including Best Supporting Actress for her role in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (2023), prove that Azmi’s magic is as strong as ever. As her career continues to evolve, her commitment to her craft and ability to adapt to changing times have ensured that her legacy remains timeless.

Having Waheeda Rehman, a legend in her own right, present this award adds even more significance. Waheeda, whose career helped pave the way for actresses like Shabana, shares a history with Azmi that stretches back decades. Their collaborations, such as Namkeen, remain standout moments in both their careers.

The 2024 MAMI Film Festival is shaping up to be not only a celebration of Shabana Azmi’s achievements but also a tribute to the enduring impact of women in Indian cinema. As Azmi herself once said, “Good roles don’t come easy; you have to fight for them.” That fighting spirit has defined her career, making her one of the most influential figures in the film industry and a beacon for future generations of actors.

Azmi’s contributions to film continue to spark conversations about gender, class, and social justice, ensuring her place as a cinematic force whose work remains as relevant today as it did five decades ago.

Related News
Chris Evans Returning to Marvel for “Avengers: Doomsday”
Myanmar Junta and Opposition Agree to Extend Ceasefire Amid Earthquake Recovery Efforts
Donald Trump’s Inauguration: Key Details
Aero India 2025: Elevating India’s Stature on the Global Aerospace Stage
Aid Suspension: A Warning Sign for Bangladesh
India-Bangladesh Relations: Shift to “Nation First” Policy Raises Concerns
Related Posts
Credit Flow Lowest in 21 Years; Domestic Investment Sees Downturn in Bangladesh
Registration of 118,000 Newly Arrived Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar—No Space Left in Camps
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Possible “At Any Moment
Pakistan Accuses India of Violating Indus Waters Treaty, Prepares Formal Notice
India Suspends Indus Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
Myanmar Junta May Weaponize Nuclear Power Plant, Warns UN Envoy
More News

Is Bangladesh Facing Sanctions Under the Trump Administration?

Under the government of Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh is reportedly experiencing a severe decline in human rights, religious freedom, and press freedom. The rise of Islamic extremism and escalating violence against Hindu minorities have exacerbated the situation. Recent reports reveal a significant increase in the activities of extremist groups in the country. Attacks on Hindu communities, […]

U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s Greenland Visit Amid Renewed Tensions

March 28, 2025 – U.S. Vice President JD Vance is set to visit Greenland today, as President Donald Trump intensifies his push for Washington to assert control over the semi-autonomous Danish territory. The visit, scaled back after backlash from Greenlandic and Danish officials, will now focus solely on the U.S. military base at Pituffik in […]

Trump Now Eyes the Pharmaceutical Industry, Massive Tariffs Coming Soon

U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to impose significant tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry. He claims this move is aimed at bringing drug manufacturing back to the United States, according to U.S. media outlet Politico. Although the pharmaceutical sector initially escaped earlier tariff measures, Trump made it clear that this won’t last. Speaking at a […]

The Dark Side of Microcredit: How Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s Model Traps the Poor in Debt

Kabir Ahmed I am (pseudonym) Kabir Ahmed In the late 1990s, I worked for several years in a loan program in three upazilas of a large micro-credit institution in Bangladesh and admitted about 5,000 women from one upazila as a member for loan, out of which I gave microcredit to about 4,200 women in a […]

Former General Michael Flynn Calls for Biden’s Removal, Accuses Biden  of Pushing Toward WWIII

Criticizes Administration’s Stance on Russia Amid Rising Tensions  Retired U.S. General Michael Flynn has made a provocative call for President Joe Biden’s removal from office, accusing him of actions that risk escalating tensions with Russia into a global conflict. Flynn, who served as National Security Advisor, alleged that the Biden administration’s foreign policies are pushing […]

Trump Signs Executive Orders Targeting Immigration and Regulations

US President Donald Trump signed a new slew of executive orders on Feb 19, including one aimed at preventing taxpayer dollars from supporting illegal immigration and one designed to get rid of regulations the administration considers “overreach”. The immigration order bars the use of federal money for migrants in the country illegally, directing all agencies […]

Turmoil Deepens for Trudeau Amidst Resignation, Challenges to Leadership

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced one of the most challenging weeks of his political career, capped by the sudden resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Her unexpected departure, mere hours before delivering an economic statement in Parliament, has intensified the mounting pressure on Trudeau’s leadership. Despite the setbacks, Trudeau projected a defiant stance at […]

Trump to Stop Another War

The newly elected President of the United States, Donald Trump, has initiated efforts to end the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. He has stated that a truce should be reached through negotiations between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible. Although his inauguration is just hours away, Trump has already begun working toward ending […]

Israeli Ban Forces UNRWA to Halt Operations in East Jerusalem

JERUSALEM – Tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem are set to lose access to education, healthcare, and other essential services as an Israeli ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) takes effect on January 30. The Israeli government has ordered UNRWA […]

UK Lawyer Files Formal Complaint to Ofcom Over BBC’s “Biased” Report on Bangladesh

London, 19 April 2025 — A senior UK-based solicitor has lodged a formal complaint with Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, accusing the BBC of broadcasting a “biased and unsubstantiated” report on Bangladesh that he claims undermines journalistic standards and misleads the public. The complaint, submitted by Sayed Abedin, Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England […]