New York Indian Film Festival To Honor Shabana Azmi’s 5 Decades in Cinema

The New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) will honor veteran Indian actor Shabana Azmi’s 50-year cinematic legacy next month. The festival, known as North America’s longest-running and most prestigious Indian film festival, will take place from May 31 to June 2, showcasing 49 films, including narratives, documentaries, and shorts featuring stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Naseeruddin Shah.

In celebration of Azmi’s five decades in Indian and international cinema, the festival will host a special event featuring the screening of her 1996 film “Fire,” directed by Deepa Mehta.

“I have been associated with the New York Indian Film Festival since its inception and I am heartened by the progress it has made over the years in leaps and bounds. I am happy that my 50th year is being celebrated at the NYIFF and I look forward to it,” said Azmi in a statement.

Azmi, 73, who will attend this year’s NYIFF, will reflect on her “remarkable journey, from her groundbreaking debut in Shyam Benegal’s ‘Ankur’ to her trailblazing roles that have earned her five National Film Awards and international accolades.”

The festival, presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, will open with the film “Dear Jassi,” directed by Indian-American filmmaker Tarsem Singh, and close with the Sanya Malhotra-starrer “Mrs,” directed by Arati Kadav.

Other highlights include the Bachchan and Vivek Gomber starrer “The Umesh Chronicles,” Naseeruddin Shah in the short film “Khidki,” and the documentary “Merchant Ivory.” The festival will feature films in 12 languages spoken across India, showcasing the diversity and range of contemporary Indian cinema.

Festival director Aseem Chhabra emphasized the festival’s commitment to diversity and cultural representation in film, stating that NYIFF offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse cinematic voices emerging from India today.