Shabana Azmi Talks About the Cinema and Literature That Shaped Her
On the occasion of the actor’s 74th birthday, The Hollywood Reporter India asks the legendary artiste about her favourite books and films.
There’s something intimate about reading someone’s favourite books, or watching a film they hold dear — it offers a unique perspective, allowing a view of the world through their eyes.
On her birthday, Shabana Azmi picks the books and films that offer a glimpse into her mind and have shaped her life.
Which book has had the most profound impact on your worldview?
Small is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher explored the idea of sustainable development so many years ago, and is a thought-provoking critique of modern economics, highlighting the importance of human-scale technology and ecological balance.
Is there a particular film you find yourself recommending to friends and family?
M.S. Sathyu’s Garm Hava. Balraj Sahni’s performance as Salim Mirza is outstanding. It is the best film on Partition to date.
Which novel have you revisited multiple times?
Michael Ondaatje’s The English Patient.
Which classic film do you believe everyone should watch at least once?
Salim-Javed’s Deewaar, which is easily the most powerful script of all times, with memorable dialogue and a sterling performance by Amitabh Bachchan.
Which book made you laugh out loud?
J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye was given to me by Jennifer Kapoor, and it piqued my curiosity because the initial reaction to it was very lukewarm and it was rejected by many publishers, even though it is a brilliant satire.
Which book have you read recently that you couldn’t put down?
Salman Rushdie’s Knife. I find the book to be Rushdie's most vulnerable expression of what that horrifying incident did to him, and how his family rallied together to support him. His mastery over words enhances the experience into something so palpable, you feel you are right in the middle of the horrifying incident.
Which film always makes you cry?
Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Abhimaan.
Which book do you think should be made into a film, and why?
Andre Agassi's autobiography Open. It reads like a Salim-Javed script and I am surprised it hasn’t been made into a movie yet.