Shabana Azmi shares throwback pic with Deepa Mehta & Nandita Das from 'Fire' Spain release
Synopsis
Nearly 30 years after 'Fire' sparked protests and rewrote Hindi cinema's boundaries, Shabana Azmi's cheerful throwback photo from its Spain release is a quiet celebration of the film's enduring legacy — and the unbreakable bond between its star, director, and co-lead.
Key Takeaways
Shabana Azmi posted a throwback photo on Instagram on Sunday, 18 October with director Deepa Mehta and co-star Nandita Das .
The photo is from the Spain release of their 1996 film 'Fire' .
Azmi and Mehta were spotted wearing identical black dupattas; Das wore a yellow saree.
The trio had also reunited in person in April 2026 . 'Fire' is the first film in Deepa Mehta's Elements trilogy, followed by 'Earth' (1998) and 'Water' (2005) .
The film, featuring music by A.
Rahman , is recognised as one of the first mainstream Hindi films to openly depict a lesbian relationship.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi rekindled a cherished memory on Sunday, sharing a throwback photograph with director Deepa Mehta and co-star Nandita Das from the time their critically acclaimed film 'Fire' was released in Spain. The nostalgic post, shared on Azmi's official Instagram handle, offered fans a rare glimpse into the camaraderie behind one of Indian cinema's most landmark films.
The Post and What It Showed
In the throwback image, Shabana Azmi and Deepa Mehta were seen twinning in black attire, complete with identical dupattas — a coincidence Azmi herself found amusing. Nandita Das, standing between the two in a vibrant yellow saree with her arms around them, provided a striking contrast. 'With #Deepa Mehta and #Nandita Das. Having a ball at the release of #Fire in Spain,' Azmi wrote alongside the photo.
She added a playful second caption: '#Deepa Mehta and I are wearing identical dupattas by sheer coincidence! Shukr hai #Nandita Das is in yellow!'
A Reunion That Preceded the Post
The throwback comes months after the trio had already reconnected in person. In April, Shabana Azmi reunited with Nandita Das and Deepa Mehta, revisiting the bond forged during the making of the 1996 film. Sunday's Instagram post appears to be an extension of that renewed warmth between the collaborators.
About 'Fire' and Its Cultural Legacy
'Fire', released in 1996, was the first chapter in director Deepa Mehta's celebrated Elements trilogy, which was followed by 'Earth' (1998) and 'Water' (2005). The film's story is widely believed to draw loose inspiration from Ismat Chughtai's 1942 short story 'Lihaaf' ('The Quilt').
The film holds a significant place in Indian cinema history as one of the earliest mainstream Hindi films to openly portray a lesbian relationship. Its release triggered widespread protests across India, but also sparked a much-needed public conversation about homosexuality and freedom of expression — a dialogue that was considered taboo in mainstream discourse at the time.
Production Background
Backed by Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Trial by Fire Films, the film featured music by Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman. Cinematography was handled by Giles Nuttgens, while editing was led by Barry Farrell.
Nearly three decades on, 'Fire' continues to be cited as a watershed moment in Indian cinema — and Azmi's nostalgic post is a reminder of the courage it took to bring that story to the screen.
Point of View
And the film's legacy has only grown as legal and social attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights have shifted. The casual warmth in this throwback photo stands in sharp contrast to the storm the three women weathered together. That Azmi chooses to revisit it now, nearly 30 years on, is itself a statement — one that mainstream coverage tends to flatten into nostalgia rather than recognise as ongoing cultural reclamation.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the throwback photo shared by Shabana Azmi about?
Shabana Azmi shared an old photograph on Instagram with director Deepa Mehta and co-star Nandita Das, taken during the release of their 1996 film 'Fire' in Spain. The post captured the trio smiling and celebrating together at the event.
What is the film 'Fire' and why is it significant?
'Fire' (1996) is a critically acclaimed Hindi drama directed by Deepa Mehta, widely recognised as one of the first mainstream Indian films to openly portray a lesbian relationship. Its release prompted nationwide protests and sparked a landmark public debate on homosexuality and freedom of speech in India.
What is Deepa Mehta's Elements trilogy?
The Elements trilogy is a series of three films by director Deepa Mehta: 'Fire' (1996), 'Earth' (1998), and 'Water' (2005). 'Fire' is the first instalment, and all three films are known for their bold social and political themes.
Had Shabana Azmi, Deepa Mehta, and Nandita Das met recently before this post?
Yes. In April 2026, Shabana Azmi reunited with Deepa Mehta and Nandita Das, months before the throwback Instagram post on 18 October 2026.
Who composed the music for 'Fire'?
The music for 'Fire' was composed by Oscar-winning musician A. R. Rahman. The film was backed by Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Trial by Fire Films, with cinematography by Giles Nuttgens and editing by Barry Farrell.
