Shabana Azmi Reflects on Legacy and Pride as She Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of East London
Veteran actor and social activist Shabana Azmi is set to reach another milestone in her illustrious career. On September 9, the University of East London will confer upon her an Honorary Doctorate of Arts, acknowledging her monumental contributions to cinema, the arts, and her tireless commitment to social change.
A Legacy of Excellence
For Azmi, the recognition is deeply personal, serving as a bridge between her own achievements and the towering legacy of her late father, the legendary poet Kaifi Azmi.
Reflecting on the upcoming ceremony, the actor shared that the honor evokes memories of her father’s unwavering support. "When I go up on stage, I always think of Abba and smile," she told Mid-Day. "It used to make him proud—despite the fact that he had several honorary doctorates himself, as does Javed [Akhtar]!" She further noted her admiration for the institution, highlighting the University of East London’s reputation for its commitment to academic excellence and its focus on inclusive, socially conscious leadership.
A Month of Milestone Moments
September is shaping up to be an exceptionally busy and celebratory month for the iconic performer. Beyond the academic honor, Azmi is preparing for the world premiere of her Indo-British production, USA vs Raj.
The film, which is set to open the Chicago South Asian Film Festival on September 18, holds a special significance as it coincides with her birthday. Directed by Ravi K Chandran, the feature tells the gripping, largely factual story of Dr. Rajendra Bothra, a renowned surgeon who faced healthcare fraud allegations in the U.S. before being cleared by a unanimous jury in 2022. "Almost 90 percent of the film is based on facts," Azmi noted, adding that the team took only minor creative liberties with the surgeon’s explicit permission.
Maintaining the Momentum
Despite her packed schedule, the 73-year-old actor shows no signs of slowing down. Admitting that she thrives on a fast-paced life, she credits her internal drive to her father. "I function on high adrenaline, exactly like Abba," she joked. "I keep complaining that I need some downtime, but beyond two days of rest, I get restless."
This drive is evident in her recent professional output. Azmi has enjoyed a stellar year, garnering critical acclaim for her roles in recent major releases. She currently features in the sequel Awarapan 2, alongside Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani, and recently starred in the powerful Partition-era drama Batwara 1947, alongside Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta.
As she prepares to add the honorary doctorate to her shelf of accolades, Shabana Azmi continues to balance the weight of her cinematic legacy with a restless passion for storytelling and social advocacy.
