Aneesha Madhok: Shabana Azmi had a big influence on me while growing up

Actress Aneesha Madhok, who is all set to make her Hollywood debut with ‘Bully High,’ says that veteran actress Shabana Azmi and her work have inspired her as an artiste. Delhi girl Aneesha, who met Shabana Azmi at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, where her film ‘Third Time Lucky' was being screened, is enamoured by the senior actress’ grace and wit.



Aneesha says, “I know that lately, Bollywood hasn’t been portrayed in a good light in the news, but we can’t forget legends like Shabana Azmi.As a generation Z actress, I would like the youth to watch her films, especially the ones that were released long before most gen z’s were even born. For me, her humanitarian work, her poetry, acting, and her strength make her a legend. She has inspired me and today, on her birthday (September 18), I want to pay her a tribute and celebrate her existence.”

Shabana Azmi’s films have helped Aneesha learn a lot about acting, too. “I truly look up to her. I loved her movie 'Fire' and I’m excited to watch her in 'Sheer Qorma' by Farah Ansari,” says, adding, “She had a big influence on me as I was growing up. Her intensity and calmness on-screen, taught me the nuances of being in front of the camera. When I met her at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, she was warm, gracious, and humble. I appreciated those traits and wish to incorporate them, too.”

A still from 'Bully High'
Directed by Bill McAdams Jr., ‘Bully High’ is about an Indian Muslim girl who gets bullied in an American high school but defeats violence with love. Aneesha plays the lead role Maryam in the film. The movie will hit the screens in 2021.