An experienced actor in film, theatre, and television, Shabana Azmi strongly advocates co-productions between India and Pakistan. She and her husband have been vocal about their belief that more collaborations in the entertainment industry are necessary between the two nations.
In contrast to cricket, Azmi believes that art can unite people, as cinema is a powerful tool for social change, and by working together, artists can bridge political divides.
Azmi spoke to Storyline about the importance of collaborative projects that bring talent from both countries to light despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. She cited the British Asian romantic-comedy film, What’s Love Got To Do With It? The film, produced by Shekhar Kapur and written by Jemima Khan which features British, Indian, and Pakistani talent.
Azmi and other cast members are currently in the UK for media engagements and promotions leading up to the film’s release on February 24th. At the movie premiere at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, the cast was recently seen together. The film is expected to be released in Pakistan on March 3.
Azmi praised the great talent within Pakistan, particularly when it came to writing, and proposed that India and Pakistan should work together to create exceptional cinematic projects. She was also full of compliments for her fellow actor from Pakistan, Sajal Aly, who stars with her in What’s Love Got To Do With It? Azmi said she had formed a strong bond with Aly despite their age gap and illustrated this by jokingly raising her arms in an imaginary hug and saying she wanted to keep her close.
The movie explores the lives of Zoe, a documentary maker and dating app enthusiast, as well as Kaz (Shazad Latif), who plans to follow in his parent’s footsteps and choose an arranged marriage to Pakistani girl Maymouna (Aly).
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