Those black kohled eyelids, mysterious smile, angled up eyebrows and artsy neck pieces! Well, these are few of the materialistic notifications attached to Shabana Azmi, an actor and a social activist but we cannot miss out this point, that she has a big heart too. She is an activist with a subaltern perspective which means that she fights for the cause of the ‘lower’ strata of our society, the down trodden and the oppressed ones.

Born to intellectual parents – Kaifi Azmi, a renowned poet and Shaukat Azmi, a veteran theater actress, Shabana’s growth towards becoming a brainiac was natural. She developed her interest in human values and society from home. She was nurtured in a socially active environment which inspired her to become an activist in future. With the base in psychology she mastered the skill of acting and has proven to be one of the best versatile actresses.

Name the list of movies with a ‘reason’ and you will find her in it standing tall and different from others. Ankur, Fire, Earth, Mandi are few of them to be named here. She has bagged world wide acclaim and appreciation for her performance and she has also been awarded a couple of times.

Apart from being well known for her exceptional performance in the film industry, she has also made her presence felt in the field of social activism. She has raised her voice for various causes which include fighting AIDS, child survival and communal harmony. Among few of her works which grabbed our attention include her help to the slum dwellers, earthquake victims, people affected by various communal riots, Kashmiri migrants and many more. She also has her name in the National AIDS Commission of India and United Nations Population Fund.

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Shabana has also been conferred with the prestigious Indian titles – Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. She is also identified with her strong political views and opinions.

She is going to turn 64 today! Women Planet whole heartedly wishes this elegant beauty on her Birthday. May god give you good health and chances to bring more laurels to our society!

Many Happy returns of the day Shabana!

Image Courtesy: indileak.com