Do you ever know you’re on the cusp of beginning something remarkable? Not really. Shabana Azmi, who completes 50 years in the industry this year, remembers that when she had her first release in Ankur (1974), she had no idea it would lead to such an illustrious career. “I had no big plan when I started my career,” she smiles. The UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) will mark her 50 years in the film industry with the programme, Celebrating the Golden Girl: Shabana Azmi, at Somerville College in Oxford today. On May 10, the veteran actor will be honoured with the Freedom of City of London Award by the City of London Corporation, in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema and as a champion of women’s rights. 

Honoured by the felicitation, Azmi says, “The recognition also emphasises the intrinsic link between art and activism.” It has been a fulfilling journey of headlining thought-provoking films, mainstream entertainers, and being an active part of the change in the industry. “Ten years ago, substantial parts for senior artistes were inconceivable. In the past two years, I’ve done an array of roles,” says the Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) actor.