Years after their celebrated work collectively in Indian parallel cinema, Shabana Azmi has opened up about her strained relationship with late actor Smita Patil, expressing remorse over issues mentioned and left unsaid. Regardless of being hailed as two of the best performers of their time, Shabana and Smita have been usually caught in what Shabana now calls an “inherent rivalry”—one thing that was by no means really resolved.
In a current dialog with Filmfare, Shabana acknowledged the complicated dynamic that existed between them. Whereas some may assume the press created rigidity for dramatic impact, she made it clear that their rivalry had roots past media hypothesis. There have been efforts, although, to bridge the hole. Each Javed Akhtar, Shabana’s husband, and actor Raj Babbar—who was married to Smita—tried to convey the 2 collectively. But it surely didn’t work. “They needed us to bury the hatchet,” she admitted, however mentioned the connection was by no means absolutely mended.
Over time, whispers {of professional} competitors between the 2 icons made headlines. It was believed that Smita had missed out on roles due to Shabana, a declare she dismissed within the interview. She mentioned that Smita imagined roles have been taken from her, however the reality was fairly totally different. Administrators like Shyam Benegal, she added, at all times had a transparent imaginative and prescient of who they needed. Shabana even revealed she was the unique alternative for Manthan, however needed to stroll away as a result of date conflicts. That led to Shyam Benegal casting Smita as an alternative—and holding a grudge over Shabana’s determination for years.
Their on-screen chemistry reached a peak in Arth, Mahesh Bhatt’s landmark movie, however behind the scenes, it solely widened the rift. Shabana recalled that Smita had initially been provided a smaller half within the film, however requested to play the “different lady,” a call that, in accordance with playwright Vijay Tendulkar, disrupted the movie’s steadiness. Shabana additionally shared that in filming, Smita as soon as suggested her in opposition to utilizing a very harsh line in a scene—recommendation Shabana selected to not observe, which brought on additional rigidity.
In hindsight, Shabana feels a deep sense of loss—not only for what by no means was, however for what may have been. “What was damaged was by no means repaired,” she mentioned, reflecting on how time and egos stored them aside. Nonetheless, what adopted Smita’s premature dying was one thing even Shabana didn’t anticipate. In a quiet, emotional flip, she discovered herself being embraced by Smita’s mother and father, who started treating her virtually like a daughter. “In a wierd manner, after she handed away, I type of grew to become a surrogate Smita to her mother and father,” she mentioned, nonetheless uncertain the right way to absolutely clarify the connection, however acknowledging that it in some way introduced issues full circle.
Trying again, Shabana admits she needs she had performed issues in another way. “I remorse that I mentioned uncharitable issues about Smita. I actually remorse it,” she informed Filmfare.
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