With her profound insights and thought-provoking anecdotes, Shabana Azmi left the audience inspired, urging them to embrace the myriad shades of life and embrace the power of art as a catalyst for change. Her session served as a reminder that amidst the glitz and glamour, the true essence of life lies in fostering relationships, empowering oneself and others, and embracing the rich tapestry of human experiences.
SHABANA’S SHADES OF LIFE
The legendary actress and social activist, Shabana Azmi, graced the members of FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) Jaipur with her presence in an enlightening session titled “Shades of Life.” The event saw an enthusiastic gathering of women entrepreneurs eager to hear the insightful words of Padmashri and Padma Bhushan awardee, Shabana Azmi. She was in conversation with FLO Jaipur Chairperson, Neha Dhadda. During the session, Azmi threw light on the various hues of her life.
Connecting with Real Life
In her engaging session, Shabana Azmi emphasized the importance for actors, celebrities, and artists to maintain a strong connection with real life as their resource base. She highlighted the risk of becoming isolated and detached from the essence of life while pursuing stardom. “One often loses oneself in the process of becoming a star, surrounded by their own circle and missing out on opportunities to meet diverse people,” she expressed. Azmi stressed the need for constant effort in making life a resource, a foundation from which creativity can bloom.
Nurturing Relationships
Delving into the realm of relationships, Azmi offered valuable insights, stating that often, people tend to take those closest to them for granted. She emphasized that any relationship requires continuous work and effort, regardless of its nature. Azmi cautioned against the trend she observes in the younger generation, where the focus on the grandeur of weddings overshadows the commitment to nurturing and sustaining marriages. “Marriage necessitates everyday adjustment with your spouse, and it won’t happen automatically,” she emphasized. Azmi highlighted the importance of dealing with the mundane aspects of marriage, as romance often takes a backseat once the wedding bells have faded.
Bond with Javed
When discussing her own relationship with renowned writer Javed Akhtar, Azmi candidly revealed, “Though Javed writes some of the most romantic lyrics and poetry, he does not have a single romantic bone in his body.” She described their bond as a strong friendship, where they share a common worldview and find solace in each other’s companionship.
Redefining Masculinity
Hailing from a family that fought against gender discrimination, Azmi stressed the significance of empowering both girls and boys in the present day. While acknowledging the progress made in empowering girls, she asserted the need to redefine the notion of masculinity and foster a more inclusive society.
Art for Social Change
Azmi, who comes from a lineage of socially conscious individuals, emphasized the use of art as a potent instrument for social change. She expressed her determination to carry forward her family’s legacy and utilize her craft to advocate for societal transformation.
LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Addressing the topic of the LGBTQ+ community, Azmi acknowledged the progress made in granting them a voice. She highlighted her own groundbreaking film, “Fire,” released over two decades ago, which sparked controversy and debate surrounding homosexuality.”It is heartening to see the positive change, where the film has now become a cult classic,” she remarked, emphasizing that personal choices deserve respect and acceptance.
Cinema’s Evolution
Discussing the changing landscape of cinema, Azmi applauded the rise of more substantial and diverse roles for women on screen. She expressed her delight in witnessing female characters evolving beyond the limited roles of forgiving wives or loving mothers. The actress attributed this positive shift to the advent of OTT platforms, which have provided opportunities for women to portray multidimensional characters and break free from stereotypes.
Supporting Theater
While discussing various aspects of artistic expression, Shabana Azmi turned her attention to the world of theater, shedding light on its enriching nature while expressing concern about its inadequate funding. Azmi passionately declared, “Theater deserves the recognition and financial support it so rightly deserves.” She urged the audience to appreciate the immense value of theater by actively paying for tickets and wholeheartedly supporting the arts. According to Azmi, these forms of expression require conscious effort and collective support to thrive and continue inspiring audiences. “I never go to a play or get a book for free”, added Azmi.
Tusharika Singh
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