Mumbai, December 15, 2024: Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has shared her longing to work more with her “favourite actor,” Naseeruddin Shah, following a celebration for filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s 90th birthday. The event, which was attended by several prominent figures from the film industry, saw Azmi sharing a photo on social media, sitting next to Benegal, with Shah standing behind them.
In her heartfelt caption, Azmi praised Shah, humorously asking why they aren’t cast together more often. “On Shyam Benegal’s 90th birthday with my co-actor of many films and my favourite actor Naseeruddin Shah. Why aren’t more people casting us together?!” she wrote. Her post sparked a warm response from Anoushka Shankar, who commented, “Masoom is a lifelong favourite. There are no words for how exquisite you both are, and the music, and my God your beauty!”
Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah have worked together in several iconic films, including Masoom, Nishant, Gaja Gamini, Khandhar, and Junoon.
Azmi, who was last seen in the 2023 film Ghoomer alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher, is currently preparing for her next project, Lahore 1947. To portray a frail matriarch, she underwent a remarkable transformation, losing over 15 kgs for the role. Reflecting on her commitment, she shared, “I lost more than 15 kgs for Santoshi’s film. Since I had to play this frail-looking woman, I gladly did.”
Meanwhile, Naseeruddin Shah was last seen in Kuttey, directed by Aasmaan Bhardwaj, alongside Arjun Kapoor and Tabu.