Shabana Azmi on ‘Lahore 1947’ No one is giving me any National Awards anymore

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi is one of the most respected star in Indian cinema. With five National Film Awards to her name she holds the record for winning the highest number of National Awards in the acting category.

'Lahore 1947' and its shoot

She is now preparing for her upcoming film 'Lahore 1947', directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. In a recent interview, when asked whether she believes she could win another National Award for her performance in Lahore 1947, the actress replied, “No one is giving me any National Awards anymore."

In a conversation with Variety India on her upcoming film, she said, “We finished shooting the film long back. Thankfully, it is finally releasing. You know, it is so strange. There are so many firsts for me in this project. I have never worked with Rajkumar Santoshi before or Aamir Khan, who is producing the film. This is also the first time I’m working with Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta. Both are such a joy to work with."




Shabana Azmi on her role Adding more about the role, Shabana revealed, “Yeh aurat itna rotee hai (this character cries so much). I haven’t wept so much on screen. Rajkumar Santoshi is old-school but is absolutely certain of what he wants. Lahore 1947 is a powerful subject that he has been trying to make for years now, and Aamir has given him the freedom to make it as he envisaged it."

After bagging five-time National award winner, she was asked if this film can win, the actress stated, “No one is giving me any National Awards anymore. I’ve realised that the thing I like doing most is acting. Awards are still important, but they are not the impetus to get on a set."

About the plot

The story is on Asghar Wajahat’s famous play Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Ni, 'Lahore 1947' is set during the time of the Partition of India.

It also follows a Muslim family that migrates from Lucknow to Lahore and is allotted a haveli left behind by a Hindu family that had moved out. However, the situation takes an unexpected turn when they discover that a member of the Hindu family is still living in the house and refuses to leave, leading to emotional and dramatic conflict.

'Lahore 1947' is helmed by Rajkumar Santoshi and it stars Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta in lead roles. Along with Shabana Azmi, the film also stars Ali Fazal, and Karan Deol. The film is expected to hit theatres later this year.





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