Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Beyond Ankur and Arth: Six Underrated Shabana Azmi Films
Shabana Azmi is a famous Indian actor with a long film career.
Many people know her films Ankur and Arth.
This article recommends six other movies that deserve more attention.
In Mandi, she plays a clever and dignified brothel owner.
Khandhar shows her caring for her sick mother in a decaying house.
In Paar, she plays a pregnant woman struggling to survive poverty and caste discrimination.
Amma focuses on family problems and changing generations.
Godmother shows her becoming a powerful political leader after her husband dies.
Morning Raga follows a singer trying to recover after losing her son.
Shabana Azmi’s birthday prompts a look at six lesser-known films from her career.
Mandi features Azmi as Rukmini Bai, a brothel madam facing eviction.
Khandhar and Paar highlight her restrained acting and demanding dramatic performances.
In Amma and Godmother, Azmi explores family conflict and political power.
Morning Raga follows a Carnatic singer rebuilding her life after personal tragedy.
- Who
- Actor Shabana Azmi, along with directors Shyam Benegal, Mrinal Sen, and Goutam Ghose.
- What
- A recommendation of six underrated Shabana Azmi films: Mandi, Khandhar, Paar, Amma, Godmother, and Morning Raga.
- When
- On Shabana Azmi’s birthday; the exact date is not stated.
- Where
- Indian cinema, across the films’ varied settings.
- Why
- To highlight notable performances that receive less attention than Ankur and Arth.
- Featured actor
- Shabana Azmi
- Films highlighted
- Mandi, Khandhar, Paar, Amma, Godmother, and Morning Raga
- Mandi role
- Azmi plays Rukmini Bai, a brothel madam facing eviction.
- Godmother recognition
- Azmi won the National Film Award for Best Actress for the role.
- Paar subject
- The film addresses caste, rural poverty, and survival.
- Morning Raga role
- Azmi plays a Carnatic singer rebuilding her life after her son’s death.
- Limited visibility
- Several of the films received limited mainstream attention or releases.