MUMBAI: From a versatile actor to a noted social activist, Shabana Azmi’s journey in the world of films has been as illustrious and enterprising. Having played a range of roles in Bollywood and Hollywood, Shabana Azmi has made quite a wave in the industry just like her social endeavors.

Shabana’s tryst with stardom began way back in 1974 with a role in Shyam Benegal’s ‘Ankur’. While the film itself went on to win huge accolades, an actress was born and Shabana Azmi won her first National Award in her very first film.

Since then the actress has 4 more National Awards to her credit for her versatile roles in ‘Arth’, ‘Khandar’, ‘Paar’ and ‘Godmother’. And this proves the mettle of this great actor.

While it was not all parallel cinema for Shabana Azmi, like her fellow counterparts at that time, the actress also played the lead in several mainstream films and charmed with her beauty, persona and of course, the brilliant portrayal of emotions in her characters.

From ‘Masoom’, ‘Dharavi’, ‘Mrityudand’ to the more recent films like ‘Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola’ and ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’, Shabana Azmi has effortlessly played different characters, covering a plethora of emotions. Quite like the actress’s filmy side, Shabana Azmi has been quite supportive of numerous social causes as well.

As the actor celebrates her 62 birthday today, here’s a toast to the ‘Godmother’ of Bollywood. A career sprawling over a 120 films and counting, Shabana Azmi is truly an actor par excellence. As the actor gears up for her debut on television with ‘24’, here’s wishing the actress the best of luck. Happy Birthday! Shabana Azmiji.