The winner of 5 National Awards and 5 Filmfare Awards, Birthday Girl, Shabana Azmi has lived as the face of Shyam Benegal films for as long as we can recall! 

Shabana, who was a find from amongst the talented alumni of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune, made her film debut in 1974 with 'Ankur' for which she bagged the National Award, and soon became one of the leading actresses of parallel cinema, an 'Indian New Wave' movement known for its serious content and neo-realism.

Regarded as one of the finest actresses in India, Azmi's performances in films in a variety of genres have generally earned her praise and awards, which include a record of Best Actress wins and several international honours.

Azmi has appeared in over 120 Hindi films in both mainstream - 'Arth', 'Masoom', 'Godmother', 'Mrityudand', 'Nishant', 'Junoon', 'Sparsh', 'Khandahar', 'Mandi', 'Makdee', 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd' and independent cinema - 'Fire' and others.

Since 1988, she has acted in several foreign projects with 'The Singapore Repertory Theatre Company' and other international films. 

In addition to acting, Azmi is a social and women's rights activist, a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), and a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament.

FRIDAYMOVIEZ wishes the gorgeous, veteran actress a delightful Birthday! 

1980: Shabana Azmi with her best friend of over 30 years, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in the film, 'Sparsh'. 

2006: Azmi at the World Economic Forum, Switzerland

2007: The Asia Pacific Screen Awards announced that illustrious Indian actress and humanitarian Shabana Azmi will be the President of the International Jury for the inaugural Awards, which was held on the Gold Coast, Australia.