Shabana Azmi (born September 18, 1950) is an Indian actress of film, television, and theatre, as well as a women's rights activist and parliamentarian. An alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India of Pune, she debuted in Ankur (1974) and quickly became one of the leading actresses of parallel cinema, an Indian New Wave movement known for its serious content and neo-realism. Recognized as being among the most acclaimed actresses of her country, she has received a record of five National Film Awards for Best Actress, six Filmfare Awards, several international accolades, and the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour awarded by the Government of India, and the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour awarded by the Government of India. She is best known for her portrayals of unconventional female characters and many of her films have won praise for depicting progressive ideals.
Ghoomer
Anina's Grandmother
2023
Letter From Your Far-Off Country
Self (archive footage)
2020
Aunty Ji
Parvin
2018
Neerja
Rama Bhanot
2016
Chalk N Duster
Vidya Sawant
2016
Jazbaa
2015
Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
Chaudhari Devi
2013
Midnight's Children
Naseem
2012
Celluloid Man
Self
2012
It's a Wonderful Afterlife
Mrs. Sethi
2010
Sorry Bhai
Gayatri
2008
Positive
2007
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.
Naheed
2007
Loins of Punjab Presents
Rrita Kapoor
2007
Umrao Jaan
Khanum Jaan
2006
15 Park Avenue
Prof. Anjali "Anu" Mathur
2006
Morning Raga
Swarnalata
2004
Tehzeeb
Rukhsana Jamal
2003
Makdee
Makdee
2002
Daughters of This Century
Kadambini
2001
Side Streets
Mrs. Chandra Bipin Raj
1998
Fire
Radha
1997
In Custody
Imtiaz Begum
1994
Son of the Pink Panther
Queen
1993
City of Joy
Kamla H. Pal
1992
Dharavi
Kumud
1991
Amba
Amba Bhanupratap Singh
1990
Death of a Doctor
Seema
1990
Sati
Uma
1989
Ek Din Achanak
Neeta Roy
1989
Picnic
1989
The Bengali Night
Indira Sen
1988
Madame Sousatzka
Sushila Sen
1988
Pestonjee
Jeroo
1988
Libaas
Seema
1988
Susman (The Essence)
1987
Ek Pal
Priyam
1986
Nasihat
Sunita
1986
Khamosh
Shabana Azmi
1986
Samay Ki Dhaara
Madhvi A. Verma
1986
The Crossing
Rama
1984
Gangvaa
Jamuna
1984
The Ruins
Jamini
1984
Hum Rahe Na Hum
Mohini P. Sahani
1984
Doosri Dulhan
Chanda
1983
Sweekar Kiya Maine
Gopika Sharma / Gopika K. Shukla
1983
Market Place
Rukmini Bai
1983
Masoom
Indu D. Malhotra
1983
Raaste Pyar Ke
Shyama
1982
Arth
Pooja
1982
Yeh Nazdeekiyan
Shobna
1982
Suraag
1982
Namkeen
1982
Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai
Stella
1981
Sameera
1981
Jwalamukhi
Kiran
1980
Hum Paanch
Sundariya
1980
Ek Baar Kaho
Aarti Mathur
1980
Apne Paraye
Sheila
1980
Yeh Kaisa Insaf?
Madhu R. Nath
1980
Sparsh
Kavita
1980
Lahu Ke Do Rang
Roma
1979
Jeena Yahan
Lekha
1979
Junoon
Firdaus (Javed's wife)
1978
Swarg Narak
Geeta
1978
Toote Khilone
1978
Parvarish
Shabu
1977
The Chess Players
Khurshid
1977
Amar Akbar Anthony
Laxmi
1977
Karm
Neelam Kumar
1977
Adha Din Adhi Raat
Radha / Babli
1977
Kadambari
Chetna
1976
Nishant
Sushila
1975
Espousal
Rekha
1974
Ankur: The Seedling
Laxmi
1974
Faslah
Asha Premchand
1974
Bun Tikki
Lahore 1947
Good Morning Sunshine
2023
Kaifinama
2018
The Black Prince
Rani Jindan
2017
The Wishing Tree
The Gypsy Woman
2017
Signature Move
Parveen
2017
Bollywood and Beyond: A Century of Indian Cinema
Self
2015
A Decent Arrangement
Preeti
2014
Love Breakups Zindagi
Naina's Mother
2011
Luck by Chance
Self
2009
Dus Kahaniyaan
2007
Banglatown Banquet
Sofia
2006
Gaja Gamini
Premchand's Nirmala
2000
Hari-Bhari
Ghazala
2000
Godmother
Rambhi
1999
Bada Din
1998
Saaz
Bansidhar (Bansi) Vrundavan
1997
Patang
Jitni
1993
Immaculate Conception
Samira
1992
Jhoothi Shaan
Krishna
1991
Fateh
1991
Disha
1990
Main Azaad Hoon
Subhashini Saigal
1989
Rakhwala
1989
Mardon Wali Baat
1988
Congregation
Anjuman
1986
Kamla
Sarita Jadhav
1984
Avtaar
1983
Unique Relation
Annapurna (Anu)
1982
Ashanti
Kamini
1982
Thodisi Bewafaii
1980
Amar Deep
1979
Atithee
Leela M. Kumar / Julie
1978
Hira Aur Patthar
Gauri
1977
Khel Khilari Ka
Rachna
1977
Chor Sipahee
Priya
1977
Swami
Saudamini
1977
Kanneshwara Rama
Malli
1977
What Will People Say?
Roma
Dabba Cartel
Sheila · (7 episodes)
2025
Parama: A Journey with Aparna Sen
2025
Angry Young Men
Self · (3 episodes)
2024
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Jamini Chatterji
2023
What's Love Got to Do with It?
Aisha Khan
2023
Halo
Margaret Parangosky · (17 episodes)
2022
The Empire
Aisan Daulat Begum · (8 episodes)
2021
Sheer Qorma
Ammi
2021
Kaali Khuhi
Satya Maasi
2020
Next of Kin
Mrs. Shirani · (6 episodes)
2018
Sonata
Dolon
2017
Capital
Mrs. Kamal · (3 episodes)
2015
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Ammi
2013
Om Shanti Om
Self
2007
Koffee with Karan
Self · (2 episodes)
2004
Indian Idol
Self · (1 episode)
2004
Devi Ahilya Bai
2002
Mrityudand
Chandravati
1997
Oonch Neech Beech
Tulsi
1989
The Discovery of India
Rangamma · (3 episodes)
1988
Genesis
The woman
1986
Shart
Kiran Dutt
1986
Bhavna
Bhavna Saxena
1984
Lorie
1984
Yaadon Ki Zanjeer
Manju
1984
Ek Hi Bhool
Meenakshi
1981
Devata
1978
Khoon Ki Pukaar
1978
Kissaa Kursee Kaa
Janata
1978
Jallian Wala Bagh
1977
Shaque
1976
Fakira
Neeta / Geeta
1976
Ishk Ishk Ishk
Pammy
1974
Masoom: The New Generation
Munshi Ji
1973
Masoom 2
The Master: Shyam Benegal
Herself