Breaking barriers: Shabana Azmi signs Pakistani writer’s film

Actor playing mother of protagonist in ‘Signature Move’

Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi has been roped in to play the mother of a homosexual daughter, in an upcoming feature film written by Pakistani actor-comedian Fawzia Mirza.

Shabana’s role in the American production Signature Move primarily watches television soaps all day long and is seemingly oblivious to her daughter’s life, reported DNA.

Signature Move follows the story of Zaynab, a 30-something Pakistani living in Chicago with her mother. As Zaynab falls for Alma – a bold and bright Mexican woman – she explores her identity, life, love and wrestling.

Following the announcement, Pakistani film-maker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy took to Twitter to congratulate Mirza. “Looking forward to your new film! Best of luck,” she wrote.

The Indian star left for Chicago last week to commence shooting. In a selfie with Azmi posted on Instagram, Mirza confirmed that work on the project is already under way. “Day eight Signature Move and day one for Shabana Azmi,” she captioned the image.

Azmi herself is no stranger to taboo subjects. Her critically acclaimed role in Deepa Mehta’s Fire (1996) touched upon similar issues.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2016.

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