Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, in a recent interview with the Indian Express, opened up about the challenges women face in society, particularly when it comes to their self-worth being tied to traditional roles. Azmi, known for her outspokenness on various issues, candidly discussed the societal pressures placed on women, especially those unable to have children, and the need for a shift in how women’s success is measured.
“Self-Worth Should Come from Work,” Says Azmi
During the interview, Azmi emphasized that while a man’s success is often gauged by his career achievements, a woman’s worth is frequently linked to her roles within the family—as a wife, mother, or daughter. She urged women who feel “incomplete” due to societal norms to recognise that their self-worth should be derived from their professional accomplishments, not just personal relationships.
Azmi stated, “It’s tough coming to terms with the fact that you can’t bear children. Society makes you feel incomplete. You have to work hard to pull yourself out of that. But your ultimate sense of self must come from your work.” She further added, “For a man, the criterion of success is his career, his work that gives him the greatest satisfaction. I believe that should apply to all genders.”
Azmi’s remarks highlight the ongoing societal tendency to evaluate women based on their family roles, a standard that she feels needs to change to empower women in all areas of life.
Personal Journey of Acceptance
This isn’t the first time Azmi has spoken openly about her personal life. In a 2000 episode of Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, she discussed how being unable to have children influenced her life choices. Reflecting on this, she said, “Not being able to have children, in a sense, made the choices much easier because I could do so much more with my time.”
She admitted that motherhood would have led her down a different path but accepted her circumstances with grace, realizing she could focus more on her career and passions.
Shabana Azmi, married to lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar since 1984, continues to be a powerful voice in both cinema and social issues. She is set to appear in upcoming projects including Dabba Cartel, Bun Tikki, and Lahore 1947.
