'Our Understanding Is Weak': Shabana Azmi On Misconceptions About Feminism
Shabana Azmi shared her concern regarding young women who dismiss feminism, a concept she feels is often misunderstood.
Shabana Azmi, a veteran of Indian cinema, has long championed progressive change and equality. Known for her impactful roles in various films on social issues, she has played a big part in Indian parallel cinema. In a recent interview with journalist Faye D’Souza on her YouTube channel, Shabana Azmi shared her concern regarding young women who dismiss feminism, a concept she feels is often misunderstood.
Speaking on the topic, Shabana Azmi said, “Itni chid aati hain na mujhe, kyuki koi samajh hi nahi hain ki feminist ka matlab kya hain (I get so frustrated because no one understands what being a feminist really means). They are still associating with the bra-burning woman, they don’t know anything."
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Shabana Azmi recalled a moment from her visit to the US, where she was ironing her husband Javed Akhtar’s kurta. A woman criticised her for this, saying, “You call yourself a feminist and you are ironing your husband’s kurta?" Shabana clarified that the task had nothing to do with her feminist beliefs.
When the woman further asked if her husband would iron her sari, she replied, “I will never let him do that." Shabana emphasised that the woman’s perspective reflected a lack of understanding. “Iski understanding bahot hi weak, kamzor hain. Kya matlab ki ‘I am not a feminist’? (Her understanding is very weak and limited. What does it mean to say ‘I am not a feminist’?) Have you even thought about it? There is no clarity."
When asked what feminism means to her, Shabana Azmi described it as a different worldview, one that respects the unique qualities of men and women. “Everything. The whole gaze in the way that you view the world is different. Men and women are different. Not better, not worse. That difference needs to be celebrated. Equal but different."
Watch the interview here:
Recently, Shabana Azmi was recognised for her contributions to cinema with the Excellence in Cinema award at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, presented by the legendary Waheeda Rehman. Shabana Azmi also received Filmfare and IIFA awards for her role in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, which released last year.
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