While in the capital, she is also to address the opening of the four-day Film South Asia ’09, the region-wide biennial documentary festival that begins on Thursday, September 17.
Speaking to the press, this former Member of Parliament and vocal social activist said, “It was remarkable that the audience here have developed a taste in documentary.”
“Art should be used for social change as it creates a climate for change to occur and impact ways to create transformative points,” added the actress who is known for her fierce on- and off-screen activism.
Commenting on the festival and documentary films in general, Azmi stressed, “Documentaries have to be good in craft and they need to be able to give the whole experience. Excellence in the medium is necessary.”
“In a documentary, truth is the issue and the strength of a documentary is its truth,” said the actress whose works are considered to be some of the most path-breaking in Indian cinema.
The acclaimed actress is known for her powerful acting in movies like ´Masoom´, ´Arth´, ´Mandi´ and recently released ´Morning Raga´, ´15 Park Avenue´ and ´Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd´.
Azmi is the five-time winner of India’s National Film Award for Best Actress and has also starred in a number of Hollywood productions including Roland Joffe’s City of Joy (1992). Her new work ´It’s a Wonderful Afterlife´ is set to be released in 2010, for which Azmi, like Robert De Niro in The Raging Bull, puts on weight to look like a well-to-do madame in a brothel.
Earlier this year, Azmi was also conferred the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Global Leadership Award in Macau for her hard work in denouncing AIDS and communalism and improving the lives of slum dwellers.
In January this year, Azmi visited Nepal as the SAARC Goodwill Ambassador for Uniting against HIV/AIDS and TB, an honor she shares with renowned Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya.
“I am happy when I come here. The people of Nepal are hospitable and the respect and love I get here is the reason why I come,” said the actress who turns 59 this Friday.
arpan@myrepublica.com
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