‘I became a surrogate Smita Patil to her parents,’ claims Shabana Azmi; confesses she regrets saying ‘uncharitable’ things about her

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Looking back on our groundbreaking collaborations in Indian parallel cinema, I, a fervent admirer, can’t help but reflect on the complex relationship I shared with the late, great Smita Patil. Years have passed since we worked together, and now, I openly confess my remorse for words spoken and feelings left unvoiced. We were both revered as outstanding artists of our era, yet beneath the glamour, a simmering rivalry seemed to exist – a rivalry that remained unresolved until her untimely demise. This inherent competition, I now realize, was an undercurrent in our dynamic, one that neither of us could fully navigate.

In a talk with Filmfare, Shabana openly discussed the intricate relationship she had with someone else. While some might believe the media exaggerated their animosity for dramatic purposes, she emphasized that their rivalry stemmed from deeper causes than just sensationalized reports. Attempts were made to reconcile, but unfortunately, these efforts failed. Both Javed Akhtar (Shabana’s husband) and Raj Babbar (Smita’s husband) tried to mediate between them, but their efforts bore no fruit. “They hoped we would put our differences aside,” she confessed, yet added that the rift was too deep to be healed completely.

Over time, rumors of professional rivalry between these two legendary actresses made news. It was thought that roles were taken from Smita by Shabana, an allegation she refuted in an interview. She stated that it seemed like roles were being denied to her, but the reality was quite distinct. Directors such as Shyam Benegal, she mentioned, always had a firm idea of who they wanted cast. Interestingly, Shabana disclosed that she was initially chosen for Manthan, but had to step down due to scheduling conflicts. This resulted in Shyam Benegal casting Smita instead, and he held a grudge over Shabana’s decision for many years.

In Arth, Mahesh Bhatt’s groundbreaking movie, their screen connection reached its zenith, but off-camera, it deepened the divide between them. Shabana remembered that Smita was first given a minor role in the film, yet she asked to portray the “other woman.” This choice, as suggested by playwright Vijay Tendulkar, upset the movie’s equilibrium. Furthermore, Shabana disclosed an incident during filming when Smita advised her against employing a severe line in a specific scene; however, Shabana decided to ignore this counsel, which led to additional friction.

Looking back now, Shabana deeply mourns not just the reality of what never came to be, but also the potential that slipped away. “The damage was never mended,” she mused, pondering how time and pride kept them separated. Yet, following Smita’s tragic demise, something unexpected transpired: Shabana found herself being consoled by Smita’s parents, who began treating her as if she were their daughter. “In a peculiar manner,” she shared, still struggling to find the right words, “after she left us, I seemed to fill the role of Smita in her parents’ lives.” She admitted that she couldn’t fully articulate the bond, but it somehow felt like closure.

Reflecting on the past, Shabana expresses her remorse for saying harsh words about Smita. She sincerely regrets her actions and admitted as much to Filmfare, stating, “I truly regret what I said.

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2025-04-19 19:22