The veteran actress calls for better theatrical support for niche films while reflecting on her illustrious five-decade career.
New Delhi, December 13: Renowned actress Shabana Azmi shared her insights on the challenges faced by parallel cinema in India and celebrated her remarkable 50-year journey in the film industry at the ADC (Art Design Culture Collective) event on Thursday. Hosted by KHUSHII, an NGO founded by cricket legend Kapil Dev, the event also highlighted India’s artistic and philanthropic spirit.
Azmi praised filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light, which has earned two Golden Globe nominations and a Critics Choice Award nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category. Despite its international acclaim, the film faces an uphill battle in Indian theatres, where it struggles to compete with mainstream blockbusters like Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2: The Rule.
Speaking about the importance of providing a platform for unique cinematic voices, Azmi emphasized the need for a structured theatrical release system for smaller films. “We cannot stop making mainstream films, but the global applause for All We Imagine as Light proves there is an audience for such stories. We need to cultivate opportunities for these films to reach the right audiences,” she said.
She added, “A system of theatrical release and distribution is essential, where smaller theatres can showcase these films without the burden of exorbitant rentals. An entire ecosystem must be developed to make such extraordinary storytelling accessible.”
Azmi also urged audiences to support diverse storytelling by visiting theatres rather than waiting for films to release on OTT platforms. “There’s a mindset that films will eventually arrive on OTT, so missing them in theatres doesn’t matter. That has to change. People need to return to cinemas, not just for big spectacles but also for films that narrate unique stories,” she said.
Reflecting on her five decades in the industry, Azmi expressed gratitude for her enduring career. “When I started 50 years ago, I never imagined I would still be working today. I’m immensely grateful and continue to work hard. For an artist, complacency is akin to death; you must keep pushing boundaries,” she said.
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light has garnered global acclaim, including recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, further establishing its international credibility.
The ADC event featured prominent personalities like Javed Akhtar, Kapil Dev, and Sussanne Khan, celebrating India’s artistic talent while supporting philanthropic causes. A portion of the proceeds from the boutique art event is donated to KHUSHII, which focuses on empowering underprivileged communities through education and other initiatives.