Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has opened up about a deeply emotional experience early in her career that nearly made her quit the film industry. In an interview with Filmfare, Azmi recounted being publicly humiliated by dance choreographer Kamal on the set of Manmohan Desai’s 1977 film Parvarish.
Struggling with the dance routine, Azmi requested a change in choreography. In response, Kamal sarcastically turned off the lights and asked her to demonstrate her own steps — in front of over 150 junior artists. The incident left her in tears.
“I started crying, walked barefoot to my house in full costume,” she said.
Azmi's recollection highlights the intense pressure and sometimes harsh treatment actors endured, especially when navigating roles outside their comfort zones. Despite the setback, she went on to build one of the most respected acting careers in Indian cinema.
