'There is no longer that pain in her'

Lata Khubchandani

Theirs is a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. A relationship that goes back a long way.

Though Kalpana Lajmi recounts her association with Shabana Azmi with gratitude, her voice is tinged with disappointment, too:

I'VE known Shabana since I was assistant to Shyam Benegal. And I must admit that if I made my breakthrough as an independent director, it's thanks to her.

She was the one who stood by me and persuaded me to make a film. Thanks to her, I got a financier.

Ek Pal happened. And my career took off.

It was my first film, but not once did Shabana make me feel so. Nor did she indulge me. We shared a mutual trust and respect. I'm very grateful to her for that.

I think until she really became larger than life -- until she became a social and political activist -- there was a lot more amalgammation with the characters she played in the films.

LATELY, I believe her persona has overcome the characters she plays on screen. She stands out as Shabana Azmi so much that it takes away from her character.

Today, I can't see Shabana playing a wounded or an oppressed character. So somewhere along the way, she has lost something.

There is no longer that quality of pain in her.

There have been wonderful moments in her early performances. Like in Mrinal Sen's Khandhar or Genesis.

Shyam Benegal's Ankur, showcased her talent so well, too. In Mandi, she was wonderful -- playing her role with such aplomb.

But Fire... Fire was a wonderful performance. After a long time, I felt she brought out such muted agony on screen.

She is one of the finest actresses India has and remained so till the mid-1990s.

I suppose she has lost interest in films... Or something else which I can't quite pinpoint. Maybe her priorities have changed now...

Also read:
'I live the life of a common man'
'She is number one!'
Check out the Shabana Azmi slide show!