A woman of substance, with a stunning personality, Shabana Azmi is one of the best actresses of her time. Having played several meaningful characters in Bollywood, Shabana always maintained her presence in the theatre arena.
‘Broken Images’ showcases Shabana is yet another challenging character, a double role on stage. A psychological tale, ‘Broken Images’ talks about how a writer, Manjula played by Shabana Azmi becomes popular as she goes international with her work.
How was the experience of enacting the characters?
We have done around 60 shows of ‘Broken Images’ all over the world but I have yet to figure out which of the two characters I have greater sympathy for. Some shows it is the older sister Manjula, while some shows its her younger sister Malini. The script is open to interpretation and I find it more exciting to leave it for the audience to figure out where their sympathies lie.
Which of the two sisters do you enjoy enacting more, Malini or Manjula?
The two sisters speak differently - one is more fluent in Hindi, the other in English. They look very similiar and yet slightly different so are their accents, but it is subtle, not into your face. The interesting thing is that I'm still discovering new shades in both parts.
Do you agree with the character’s decision to write in English?
Yes absolutely. Like Manjula says, “A writer wants to reach out to the widest audience and English has a distinct advantage over regional languages.”
What attracted you to the role?
It is technically the most challenging play I've done. Malini is a prerecorded image on the TV screen who plays against Manjula, the live character. It requires split second timing. If I forget a line then there is no one to rescue me and the play can slip out of my hands. It is both, frightening and exciting and that's why I said yes instantly on reading it.
Do you relate to any of the characters?
I relate to both the characters. Sibling rivalry is fairly common and the play keeps shifting and makes you wonder who is the oppressor and who is the victim.
Why take it to Dubai? Tell us about the Dubai experience.
All my plays have traveled to Dubai. The audiences have been warm and welcoming and I enjoy the interaction with them.
The team of Broken Images looks interesting, as you have other legends like Girish Karnad and Alyque Padamsee on board. Tell us about the experience of working with them.
Girish is easily one of our best playwrights and ‘Broken Images’ is written almost like a thriller. He has been my co-star in a couple of films but this is the first time I'm working in something written by him. Alyque has worked with my mother Shaukat Kaifi, she was his leading lady more than 40 years ago and its wonderful that he still has his working boots on. I had some differences with him initially but with time he was proved right on every count. I've always believed that the director knows best.