The day I met Shabana Azmi, and why she still leaves me in awe

I first remember seeing Shabana Azmi on screen in the film Masoom. And I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed her performance and the film. Then, a year later in 1984, Paar was released. And once again, I was blown away by how fabulously she essayed the role. Sure, there have been plenty of other films where she’s showcased her remarkable acting prowess, but for me, those two were enough to make me a fan for life.

Then, some years ago, Shabana was in Dubai to perform in a play, and a PR person called to ask if I’d be interested in interviewing her for Friday magazine. What a duh question, I thought. Of course I was.

I remember being excited - and a tad apprehensive too - on my way to meet her. Excited, because it was one of my first interviews with a Bollywood star; apprehensive, because I hadn’t seen her most recent film at the time and I was hoping she would not reference it during our conversation.

The interview venue was a theatre in Dubai where her play was being staged. The crew was busy prepping the stage for the opening night’s show later that evening.

I was seated in the front row, waiting for her to arrive. The stage was dark, technicians were flitting about adjusting lights and sound, when Shabana walked onto the stage from the rear of the hall. Dressed in a striking pink top and loose black trousers, a splendid flower tucked behind her ear, and an oversized pair of sunglasses covering nearly a third of her face, she looked every bit the star.

The interview was originally scheduled for 20 minutes, but we ended up chatting for nearly an hour -about cinema, theatre, writing, journalism, Malayalam films, Dubai… It was easily one of the most delightful, engaging, and insightful conversations I’ve ever had with a Bollywood star to date.

Why am I reminiscing about a meeting from several years ago? Because I saw her again recently — on Dabba Cartel, now streaming on Netflix.

And once again, I was riveted by her performance as an … okay, I am not going to be giving away any spoilers here. Let’s just say she’s the pivot of the story. And for the record, I enjoyed the series, although the dialogues I felt could have had a bit more bite.

Watching her in Dabba Cartel reminded me not just of her immense talent, but of that morning in Dubai when I saw the person behind the performer — warm, articulate, fiercely intelligent. Years may have passed, but this artiste continues to command the screen with the same quiet intensity and grace that first won me over decades ago.

Some stars shine bright for a season; others, like her, illuminate across generations.