Shabana Azmi recalls the time MS Sathyu tested her punctuality

Recently, veteran actress and politician Shabana Azmi interacted in a closed door virtual meet session that was organised by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation. It had her talking about her life, work and some of her best memories. When Bangalore Times asked her about her favourite memories of working with filmmaker, theatreperson and architect MS Sathyu, she had many things to say and concluded saying, "Garm Hawa is my favourite Indian film." Here are excerpts.
On working with him in theatre
He is the first director I worked with in professional theatre. I remember telling him I wanted to work with him and he told me that he was very strict about rehearsals and expected punctuality. So, to ensure I was the punctual student, he tested me for 10 days and I would report at 6.30 correctly. It was only after that when he told me that I could do the role. This was in 1980, when I was bringing my stardom to it. Then I did this film with called Kanneshwara Rama.
On his passion for life and his work
We are building the Kaifi Azmi theatre in Lucknow and Sathyu is very involved with it. What would surprise me is that in the scorching heat of Lucknow in May, he would still go and supervise the building, such is his passion and dedication.
My mother often said Sathyu is the closest she has seen in a person when it comes to practicing what one preached. The way he treats his staff like family is something I have never seen anywhere else. I am glad that I could work with him in films and theatre.