Lesser Known Facts About Shabana Azmi

Family of Artists

Shabana hails from a family of artists—her father was poet Kaifi Azmi, and her mother, Shaukat Kaifi, was a stage actress.

First National Award Win

Shabana won her first National Film Award for Ankur (1974), her debut film, setting a high standard right from the start.

Hollywood Ventures

She acted in international films like Madame Sousatzka (1988) alongside Shirley MacLaine, exploring roles beyond Bollywood.

UN Goodwill Ambassador

She served as a UN Goodwill Ambassador on Population Issues and has actively worked on various social causes, including women`s rights and child labour.

Theatre Background

Aside from films, Shabana is a well-regarded stage actress. She performed in Tumhari Amrita for 21 years, a famous play directed by Feroz Abbas Khan.

A Passionate Activist

She has been vocal about slum rehabilitation and gender equality, often participating in protests and social movements across India.

Education at FTII

Shabana graduated from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), one of the most respected institutions for acting in the country.