Veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi is set to receive the City of London Corporation’s Freedom of City of London Award on May 10 in the UK capital's Guildhall for her contribution to Indian cinema and as a campaigner for women’s rights.
The award presentation will be part of the celebrations to mark the actress’s 50 years in industry at the 26th UK Asian Film Festival.
“Celebrating 50 years of Shabana Azmi in film! Shabana Azmi in conversation with Dr J. Daniel Luther. Followed by a reception and dinner. (This is a ticketed event and all proceeds will go towards the OICSD Scholarships). You can also watch a special screening of her film, Fire at Phoenix Picturehouse in Jericho before the event and there will be a Q&A after,” the festival organisers announced in a post on Instagram.
Shabana Azmi made her debut with Shyam Benegal’s debut social drama Ankur in 1974, which won her the National Award for best actress. Between 1983 and 1985 for three consecutive years, Azmi won the National Film Award for best actress for her performances in Arth, Khandhar and Paar, respectively.
“In anticipation of the esteemed Freedom of the City of London Award, I am deeply honoured. This recognition not only celebrates my contribution to cinema but also emphasises the intrinsic link between art and activism. I am humbled by this distinction and eagerly anticipate the chance to continue advocating for social causes through storytelling,” Shabana said in a statement.
The festival will also celebrate the actress’s industry milestone followed by a screening at Phoenix Picturehouse of her 1996 film Fire on May 7 at Somerville College, Oxford. Shyam Benegal’s Ankur and Mandi, and Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani will also be screened on the subsequent days.
“It is an honour to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of Shabana Azmi. From her pivotal role in inaugurating our festival in London to inspiring our celebration of her 50-year journey, Shabana Azmi epitomises resilience, advocacy and artistic brilliance,” UK Asian Film Festival creative director, Samir Bhamra said.
“Her upcoming recognition with the Freedom of the City of London award is testament to her extraordinary achievements. UKAFF’s instrumental role in instigating this prestigious award underscores Shabana Azmi’s profound impact on the arts and society at large,” he added.
The 26th UK Asian Film Festival commenced on May 2 and will conclude on May 12.
