Films are a very important medium of communication: Shabana Azmi

Actor believes social change should be reflected in modern cinema

Veteran actor and activist Shabana Azmi says change should be reflected through mainstream cinema as films are a vital medium of communication.

"Films are a very important medium of communication and I do think if change is to happen in society, then it must be reflected in mainstream cinema because if you are only going to talk about different characters within parallel or independent cinema, then you are preaching to the already converted," Shabana said, in a recent interview. The need of the hour, as she pointed out, is "to bring these concerns particularly about women's equality into the mainstream."

The Padma Shri awardee is glad top female actors of Bollywood are willing to take that step.
"I am particularly pleased that this is something that the top female stars of today are taking very seriously and are willing to go that extra mile to work in the film that has something significant to say about women," Shabana added.



Praising Bollywood stars like Vidya Balan, Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor Khan, the 66-year-old said women have been contributing to the cause of empowerment and she thinks that is helping a great deal.

"I grew up in a family that believed that art should be as an instrument for social change, and my film Arth by Mahesh Bhatt from more than 30 years ago continues to be a one that many women claim they derive inspiration from. I think this is a very healthy trend," added the multiple National Film Award winner.

On the acting front, Shabana is gearing up for the release of her forthcoming film Sonata, directed by critically acclaimed film-maker Aparna Sen.

Releasing on April 21, the film is adapted from the eponymous play by award-winning playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar. It sees the psychological exploration of three unmarried women facing a mid-life crisis.

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