Shabana Azmi Celebrates the Legacy of Farooq Sheikh on His 78th Birthday
Synopsis
On the 78th birth anniversary of Farooq Sheikh, Shabana Azmi shares heartfelt memories of their college days and enduring friendship. Discover how their bond shaped their illustrious careers in cinema and theatre.
Key Takeaways
Shabana Azmi commemorates her late friend on his birthday.
They shared a bond from their college days at St.
Farooq Sheikh was a prominent figure in Parallel Cinema .
His legacy includes notable collaborations with esteemed directors.
He passed away in 2013, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.
Mumbai, March 25 (NationPress) On this day, we commemorate the 78th birth anniversary of Farooq Sheikh. The acclaimed National Award-winning actress Shabana Azmi tenderly recalled her “college mate” and late co-star, reflecting on their early days and the long-standing bond they shared on stage.
Shabana took to Instagram to share a nostalgic photograph of Farooq and wrote a touching tribute, looking back at their time together at St. Xavier’s College. She expressed her appreciation for his unwavering support during exam periods, reminiscing how he would always ensure her pens were filled with ink and would be by her side during her bouts of illness, all while playfully teasing her.
In her caption, she expressed: “#Farooq Sheikh, my college companion, co-founder of Hindi Natya Manch at St. Xavier’s, I am grateful for your assistance during countless exams, always making sure I had ink in my pens, being there when I was unwell, teasing me without fail, and for 22 incredible years of traveling the globe with you and #Feroz Abbas Khan for the enduring #Tumhari Amrita. Remembering you on your special day (sic).”
Farooq Sheikh gained recognition for his impactful roles in Hindi cinema from 1973 to 1993 and was a notable presence on television from 1988 to 2002.
He made a return to film in 2008 and continued acting until his passing on December 28, 2013. His significant contributions were in the realm of Parallel Cinema or the New Indian Cinema, collaborating with esteemed directors such as Satyajit Ray, Sai Paranjpye, Muzaffar Ali, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and Ketan Mehta.
Farooq was also seen in various television series and stage productions like Tumhari Amrita alongside Shabana Azmi, directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, and hosted the show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai.
He tragically passed away from a heart attack in 2013 while on holiday in Dubai with his family.
Point of View
The reminiscences shared by Shabana Azmi not only highlight the personal bond between her and Farooq Sheikh but also underscore his significant contributions to Indian cinema and theatre. It serves as a reminder of the impact of enduring friendships in the arts.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Shabana Azmi share about Farooq Sheikh on his birthday?
Shabana Azmi shared heartfelt memories of their college days, highlighting his support during exams and their long-standing friendship.
When did Farooq Sheikh pass away?
Farooq Sheikh passed away on December 28, 2013.
What contributions did Farooq Sheikh make to Indian cinema?
Farooq Sheikh was known for his roles in Parallel Cinema and worked with legendary directors, contributing to both films and television.
What was the significance of St. Xavier's College for Shabana and Farooq?
St. Xavier's College was where Shabana Azmi and Farooq Sheikh formed a lasting friendship and co-founded the Hindi Natya Manch.
What is Tumhari Amrita?
Tumhari Amrita is a renowned stage production featuring Shabana Azmi and Farooq Sheikh.
