‘I Stormed Out in Full Anarkali Costume’: Veteran Actress Shabana Azmi Reveals How Sulakshana Pandit Stopped Her From Quitting Films After Being Insulted by a Choreographer
Shabana Azmi recently revealed that late veteran actress Sulakshana Pandit once saved her from quitting Bollywood. After being insulted by a choreographer for her dancing, Azmi stormed off the set, ready to leave films forever. But Pandit’s wise and empathetic words changed her life forever.
Veteran singer and actress Sulakshana Pandit, who passed away on November 6 at the age of 71, continues to be remembered not just for her soulful voice and graceful screen presence but also for her kind-hearted nature. In a heartfelt revelation, acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi shared how Pandit once stopped her from quitting the film industry altogether. Sulakshana Pandit Dies: Bollywood Veteran Actress and Singer Passes Away at 71 in Mumbai.
Shabana Azmi Recalls Being Insulted by Choreographer
Recalling the emotional incident, Shabana said, “I was rehearsing for a qawwali-mujra for a Manmohan Desai film. You know how good I am at filmy dancing? So there I was struggling with those intricate steps when the choreographer, who was a formidable name, snidely commented, ‘Why come into the acting field when you don’t know how to dance?’”
Sulakshana Pandit Stopped Shabana Azmi From Quitting Films
Deeply hurt by the insult, Shabana decided she had had enough. “That was it! I was aghast, livid, and affronted. I stormed out of the set in full Anarkali costume, makeup streaming down my face as I wept. Since my car was not to be seen, I rushed from the studio on foot towards my home, vowing to quit. Can you imagine the sight for bystanders?” she recalled with a laugh. A few days later, Shabana crossed paths with Sulakshana Pandit, who, upon hearing the story, offered a perspective that changed everything. “But why should you quit? He is the one who misbehaved. He should quit. He is there because of us actresses, not the other way around,” Pandit had told her calmly. Veteran Singer-Actor Sulakshana Pandit Passes Away at 71; Family Confirms Cremation Date and Place.
Shabana Azmi Remembers Sulakshana Pandit’s Life-Changing Advice
That simple but profound statement made Shabana rethink her decision. “It was one of those Eureka moments of my life,” Azmi admitted. “It said so much about her empathy and intelligence. When I came into the movies, my only aspiration was to look like Sulakshana Pandit. She is, was, so pretty. I loved her wigs and makeup, and wanted to look like her on screen. I hadn’t met her for decades. Now I wish I had, to thank her for that advice she gave me.” Through Shabana’s moving recollection, Sulakshana Pandit’s legacy as an artist and a compassionate soul shines brighter than ever.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2025 12:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).