Mumbai: Shabana Azmi, wife of Javed Akhtar, has joined the cast of writer-director Faraz Arif Ansari’s Sheer Qorma, which tackles the LGBTQ community’s struggles for love and acceptance, which begin at home. The film stars Swara Bhasker and Divya Dutta in lead roles and will see the National award-winning actress in a pivotal role.
Azmi confirmed the news by saying, “I was moved by the script which was recommended to me by Divya. After that, I met Faraz who came across as sincere, honest and deeply committed to the story. The bonus is working with Divya and Swara, so we figured out the dates and I said ‘yes’ to the project. We had the first workshop last week and everything came together organically. I am looking forward to the shoot.”
The director is meeting her for the first time and express that it’s surreal. He adds, “When I was in school, I made a list of actors I wanted to work with and Shabana Ji’s name was in the top three. She brings so much life and love to the set. Her jokes, emotional gravitas and determination to make everything beautiful is such learning for me.”
He says Shabana’s character will open universal dialogue on parenthood. “Shabana Ji’s character is the mother we all deserve—the Mother India of the 21st Century.”
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