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California recognises Shabana Azmi theatre and advocacy
The presentation occurred just before a sold-out performance of Azmi’s one-woman play, Broken Images, in Hayward.
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Staff Reporter - Sun, 28, Sep 2025
- 22:10 EDT
- 22
Shabana Azmi has appeared in more than 150 films, earned five National Film Awards, and received India’s Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2012). / Courtesy Photo
Veteran Indian actress and activist Shabana Azmi received a special recognition from the State of California on Sept. 27 night. The honor was presented on behalf of Assembly Member Alex Lee and handed over by community leader Ajay Bhutoria.
The award acknowledges Azmi’s longstanding contributions to theatre and film, as well as her work supporting women’s rights and community development.
The recognition took place just before a sold-out performance of Azmi’s one-woman play, Broken Images, at the Chabot College Performing Arts Complex in Hayward. More than 1,500 people attended the event.
In the play, performed in English, Azmi portrays twin sisters Manjula and Mrs. Sharma in a psychological drama written by Girish Karnad and directed by the late Alyque Padamsee. The show is part of her North American tour, which began on September 25 in Connecticut and is continuing to Raleigh, Boston, New York, and Toronto.
Ajay Bhutoria praised Azmi for her impact as both an artist and a social justice advocate. The event was organized by Instant Karma, with support from Bhavini Joshi, Amitabh Bhargav, Kavita Agarwal, and Ashwini Kumar.
Shabana Azmi with Ajay Bhutoria. / Courtesy Photo In the official citation, Lee, who represents California’s 25th District, honored Azmi for her efforts toward women’s empowerment and social justice, noting her decades of activism and socially conscious roles.
Azmi thanked the audience, saying: “I am deeply humbled by this recognition from California. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the collective strength of our communities. I dedicate this to every woman and worker striving for equity.”
Now 75 years old, Azmi remains active in both the arts and public life. She has appeared in more than 150 films, earned five National Film Awards, and received India’s Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2012). She continues to speak out against communal violence and raise awareness for HIV/AIDS.
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