Archive · 20 Jun 2025
Shabana Azmi Says Farhan Akhtar Advised 'Fire' Ending Change
The movie "Fire," about a lesbian relationship, was a big deal when it came out.
It even faced protests!
Recently, the actress Shabana Azmi met with the director and another actress from the film.
She shared that the ending of the film was actually changed based on a suggestion from Farhan Akhtar.
The movie was originally supposed to be in Hindi, but they changed the dialogue to English.
The movie was briefly pulled from theaters due to controversy, but it was later shown again.
Shabana Azmi revealed Farhan Akhtar suggested changes to the film "Fire's" ending.
The film, released in 1998, depicted a lesbian relationship and faced protests.
Azmi, along with director Deepa Mehta and co-star Nandita Das, met recently.
Initially, the film was to be in Hindi, but the dialogues were changed to English.
"Fire" was withdrawn from theaters initially, then re-released in 1999.
- Who
- Shabana Azmi, Deepa Mehta, Nandita Das, and Farhan Akhtar.
- What
- "Fire" director Deepa Mehta and actors met, discussing the film's changes.
- When
- The film was released in 1998, the meeting happened recently.
- Where
- India, where the movie was filmed and released.
- Why
- The film's ending was altered based on Farhan Akhtar's suggestion.
Critics
Supporters
Film's Depiction of LGBTQ
Critics
Objected to the depiction of a lesbian relationship.
Supporters
Supported the film as a groundbreaking representation of LGBTQ stories.
- Film Title
- "Fire"
- Release Year
- 1998
- Main Actors
- Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das
- Director
- Deepa Mehta
- Language Change
- Originally Hindi, later English
- Controversy
- Faced protests upon release.