'I have a script writer in my own home'

Chitra Sanam / TNN / Jun 20, 2007, 00:00 IST

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Shabana Azmi's charm and wisdom enraptured Hyderabadis, when she was in the city, recently.

Shabana Azmi on Hyderabad, Hindi cinema and Javed Akhtar. A graceful adaab, some witty opening lines, and an enthralling conversation with veteran director MS Sathyu - followed by an intelligent repartee to a barrage of questions from the audience. Shabana Azmi's charm and wisdom enraptured Hyderabadis, when she was in the city, recently. Some excerpts.
On Hyderabad...
The city exemplifies a composite culture and pluralism. So when I hear about riots, here, it breaks my heart. We have to bring back the old glory.
On the changing face of Indian cinema...

The women's movements have had their effect on Bollywood, too. Hindi cinema was stuck with stereotypical images - at 30, an actress was considered too old for films. But all that's changing. Also, the advent of multiplexes has given the freedom to filmmakers to make niche films. I feel fortunate as the last 10 years have been the most rewarding part of my career. In this phase, I got to act in films like Fire, Godmother, Tehzeeb and Morning Raga.

On her criteria for choosing roles...
I accept a role when I feel the film has something important to say, if a new director needs promotion or the issue is convincing, and also, if the remuneration is good!
On a role she greatly enjoyed...
My role in Morning Raga. I was terrified as no amount of emotion would have been good, if I didn't get the music right. And when Pt Ravi Shanker called and told me that I did pass off as a Carnatic singer, it sure was reassuring.
On a role not played yet...
I have the best scriptwriter in my own home! If I did want to play a particular role, I'd ask him to pen itâ€¦
On social work
It's been 31 years since I've been working with an organisation that addresses slum dwellers' habitation concerns. I use my influence to bring the changes, and to make a difference where I can.
On Javed Akhtar
Javed's my best friend, besides being my husband. When I started to discover Javed, I rediscovered my father. He has the same passion for literature, politics, Urdu and much more. We share the same world view.
On real and reel life...
It's a huge demand to keep both separate. When I was going to marry Javed, I told him, 'I'm not going to wear the bridal dress, as that would be like getting married to Vinod Khanna or Rajesh Khanna on screen!'
hyderabadtimes@indiatimes .com

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