In an unforgettable dialogue at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, Shabana Azmi and Vidya Balan explored acting, cinema, and the emotional intensity that has defined their careers over decades. The #Newsdesk reports…

Photography: Vinta Nanda 

At MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, two of Indian cinema's most iconic actors, Shabana Azmi and Vidya Balan, shared the stage in an enthralling masterclass. They discussed their diverse journeys, the evolution of Indian cinema, and their dedication to the craft of acting. Azmi’s reflections on her 50-year career, coupled with Balan’s insight into her unique approach to acting, captivated the audience. With references to collaborations with legendary filmmakers like Mahesh Bhatt, Shyam Benegal and Steven Spielberg, the conversation illuminated the actors' enduring influence and versatility in both film and theatre.

Maestro Shabana Azmi conducted masterclass at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024

Mumbai, 19 October 2024: MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime conversation between two of Indian cinema's greatest talents, Shabana Azmi and Vidya Balan. The masterclass offered a deep dive into Azmi’s incredible 50-year career, packed with stories that shaped her illustrious journey through film and theatre.

Shabana Azmi, who was honoured with the Excellence in Cinema Award at the festival’s opening ceremony, spoke candidly about her early experiences, her work with acclaimed directors, and the emotional demands of the craft. Audiences were treated to her reflections on working with cinematic legends like Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, and Mahesh Bhatt. Azmi’s personal anecdotes provided a rare window into the life of an actor who has consistently redefined herself across mediums.

Azmi recalled working with Mahesh Bhatt on Arth, recounting how the film, famously devoid of a proper script, required her to navigate complex emotional scenes. “Mahesh Bhatt would give me the most difficult scenes without warning, and there was no time for artificial conflict, he would tell me if I complained,” she shared. The spontaneity that Bhatt brought to the set often placed Azmi in unpredictable, challenging situations—yet these very moments, as she noted, became the most honest performances of her career. She described the haunting intensity of shooting the song 'Tum itna kyun muskura rahe ho,' where a subtle direction from Bhatt—"look exposed"—completely transformed her approach to the scene.

The Magic of Theatre and the Challenges of Acting

The conversation took a turn towards theatre, where Azmi passionately spoke about the unique challenges it poses. “The butterflies in my stomach become elephants before every performance,” she admitted, illustrating the raw anxiety and exhilaration of live theatre. Azmi emphasized the importance of humility in theatre, warning that any trace of overconfidence could result in a disastrous performance. “The minute you think you’ve mastered it, the show will fail.”

She shared her admiration for actors like Ralph Fiennes, who seamlessly move between Hollywood blockbusters and London’s modest theatre stages. “They do it not for money, but to keep something alive inside them,” Azmi remarked, highlighting the unquantifiable value that theatre brings to an actor's skillset.

Vidya Balan, herself known for powerful performances, confessed to finding aspects of acting tough despite her success. She admitted that as an untrained actor, she lacks the tools of method acting, instead relying on her instincts and director’s vision. This, Balan explained, is both her strength and her weakness. “Some days, it’s as simple as walking across a room without purpose that feels impossible,” she revealed. Her vulnerability resonated with the audience, reminding everyone that even the most lauded performers face personal struggles with their craft.

Finding Newness in the Familiar

Balan posed a question to Azmi that weighed heavily on every actor’s mind: how does one continue to find newness after decades in the industry, especially after working with some of the most renowned filmmakers in the world, including Steven Spielberg? Azmi’s response reflected her profound connection to the art of performance. “I have surprised myself, even while doing live performances,” she said. She shared how the unpredictable reactions of the audience often led her to discover new dimensions of her characters, even during repeat performances.

One particularly poignant story involved Azmi’s most truthful live performance, which paradoxically received no applause from the audience. Baffled, she turned to tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who consoled her by admitting he had experienced the same. Sometimes, Azmi explained, what feels like the most genuine moment on stage may not always translate in the way one expects—expressing the mystery and complexity of human connection in live theatre.

Balan also discussed her desire to explore comedy, a genre she feels has been underrepresented for women, particularly in physical comedy. "The only time I can recall a woman doing physical comedy was Sridevi in Mr. India,” she noted, highlighting how this niche area remains a largely untapped frontier for women in Indian cinema.

Honouring the Legacy

As the conversation drew to a close, the audience at PVR Juhu erupted into applause, a testament to the spellbinding exchange between these two giants of Indian cinema. The masterclass was not just a nostalgic walk down memory lane, but a reflection of the shifting paradigms in Indian cinema. Both Azmi and Balan articulated the ever-changing landscape of acting, the significance of mentorship, and the boundless opportunities still left to explore.

In honour of Shabana Azmi’s five decades in the industry, MAMI is holding a special screening of her iconic film Arth on 20th October, offering audiences a chance to relive her groundbreaking performance that forever changed the narrative of women in Indian cinema.

The magic of this masterclass lies not only in the shared experiences of two remarkable actors but also in the wisdom imparted about staying authentic to the craft.