HAYWARD, Calif. (Diya TV) — Veteran Indian actress and activist Shabana Azmi received a special recognition from the State of California on the evening of Sept. 27. The honor was presented on behalf of Assemblymember Alex Lee and handed over by community leader Ajay Bhutoria.
The award recognized Azmi’s lifelong contributions to theatre and film. It also celebrated her efforts in supporting women’s rights and community development.
The recognition took place just before a sold-out performance of Azmi’s one-woman play, Broken Images, at the Chabot College Performing Arts Complex in Hayward. The event drew more than 1,500 attendees, reflecting her strong influence in the arts and the community.
In Broken Images, Azmi performs in English, portraying twin sisters Manjula and Mrs. Sharma in a gripping psychological drama. The play was written by renowned playwright Girish Karnad and directed by the late Alyque Padamsee. The production is part of her North American tour, which began on Sept. 25 in Connecticut. The tour will continue to Raleigh, Boston, New York, and Toronto.
Ajay Bhutoria praised Azmi for her dual impact as an artist and social justice advocate. He highlighted her commitment to using art as a platform for change. The event was organized by Instant Karma with support from Bhavini Joshi, Amitabh Bhargav, Kavita Agarwal, and Ashwini Kumar.
In the official citation, Assembly Member Alex Lee, who represents California’s 25th District, honored Azmi for her dedication to women’s empowerment and social justice. The citation highlighted her decades of activism and her choice of socially conscious film and theatre roles.
Azmi expressed gratitude during the event. “I am deeply humbled by this recognition from California,” she said. “It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the collective strength of our communities. I dedicate this to every woman and worker striving for equity.”
At 75 years old, Azmi continues to make a mark in both arts and public life. She has appeared in more than 150 films and earned five National Film Awards. She has also received India’s Padma Shri in 1988 and Padma Bhushan in 2012.
Azmi is widely recognized not just for her acting but also for her activism. She has been a strong voice against communal violence and has raised awareness about HIV/AIDS. Her work continues to inspire new generations of actors and activists alike.
