As Shabana Azmi celebrates her 75th birthday today, it is the perfect moment to look back at a career that has shaped the very fabric of Indian cinema. Known as the face of parallel cinema, she balanced meaningful art-house roles with memorable mainstream performances, carving a niche that very few actors could achieve. With five National Awards and countless accolades to her name, Shabana Azmi has always been more than just an actor. She is a storyteller, a trailblazer and a voice of social change. On this special day, we revisit some of her most powerful films that continue to inspire generations.

Arth (1982)

 One of her most iconic roles, Arth saw Shabana Azmi deliver a deeply emotional performance as a woman who discovers her strength after betrayal. Her raw and layered portrayal touched countless hearts and won her a National Award, cementing her place as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema.

Ankur (1974)

 Her debut film directed by Shyam Benegal was a turning point not just for her career but for Indian cinema itself. Playing Lakshmi, a poor woman trapped in the chains of poverty and social injustice, Shabana brought unmatched realism to the screen and immediately stood out as a powerful performer.

Paar (1984)

 This gut-wrenching film told the story of a couple facing unimaginable struggles, and Shabana’s performance alongside Naseeruddin Shah was filled with pain, resilience and truth. It earned her yet another National Award and remains one of the most haunting portrayals of human survival on screen.

Masoom (1983)

 In this tender family drama, Shabana played a mother grappling with her husband’s betrayal while still trying to hold her family together. Her balance of strength and vulnerability gave the film its soul, making Masoom one of the most cherished films of the 80s.

Fire (1996)