Shabana Azmi turns 75: Divya Dutta pens heartfelt tribute to her 'legend'
Synopsis
Shabana Azmi turned 75 and the tributes said it all — Divya Dutta's emotional video, a bespoke cake from Vidya Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapur, and a film fraternity rallying around one of Indian cinema's most enduring icons. At 75, Azmi is, as the cake put it, 'still going strong.'
Key Takeaways
Shabana Azmi celebrated her 75th birthday on 18 September 2026 .
Divya Dutta shared a heartfelt video tribute, calling Azmi 'a legend' and 'a class apart.' The two actresses have collaborated on Chalk n Duster and the short film Sheer Qorma .
Vidya Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapur gifted Azmi a personalised birthday cake with the message 'A talent that is borderless.
1950 STILL GOING STRONG.' Azmi marked the milestone with close friends and colleagues from the Hindi film industry a day before her birthday.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi turned 75 on 18 September 2026, and the milestone birthday drew a wave of affection from the film fraternity — with actress Divya Dutta leading the tributes on social media with a heartfelt video post celebrating their decades-long friendship.
Divya Dutta's Heartfelt Tribute
Sharing a warm video montage on social media, Divya Dutta — known for her acclaimed role in Veer-Zara — described Shabana Azmi as 'the brightest colour in life,' praising her zest, her passion for the craft, and her infectious laughter. In her post, Dutta wrote: 'Zindagi ka sabse bright rang ho aap....the zest for life...eagerness as an actor..and the laughter that celebrates lifes each moment!!!,you my dearest @azmishabana18 are a class apart!a legend, we are fortunate to know, love and celebrate you!! Happy bday @shabana di!! Love you sooo much!that arm around me, is the most precious!!'
The video montage featured the two actresses sharing candid moments — smiling, laughing, and posing together — offering a glimpse into the warmth they share beyond the camera.
A Bond Built on Screen and Off
Divya Dutta and Shabana Azmi have collaborated on notable projects, including the classroom drama Chalk n Duster and the critically acclaimed short film Sheer Qorma, which explored themes of identity and belonging through a deeply personal lens. Their on-screen chemistry, observers note, is a natural extension of the genuine camaraderie they share in real life.
Vidya Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapur's Surprise
Ahead of the birthday, Shabana Azmi was also treated to a creative surprise by actress Vidya Balan and her producer husband Siddharth Roy Kapur. The couple gifted her a bespoke birthday cake featuring an artistic depiction of the actress and the inscription: 'Batwarapan! A talent that is borderless! EST. 1950 STILL GOING STRONG/EST.'
A visibly moved Azmi took to social media to share the gesture, writing: 'Thank you so much #Siddharth Roy Kapur and #Vidya Balan for this innovative message. It brought a big smile to my face.'
Celebrating a Legacy at 75
Shabana Azmi, a five-time National Award-winning actress, marked the occasion a day before her birthday itself, celebrating with close friends and colleagues from the Hindi film industry. With a career spanning more than five decades, she remains one of Indian cinema's most enduring voices — on screen, on stage, and in public life.
As tributes continue to pour in, the outpouring underscores Azmi's stature not merely as a celebrated performer but as a cherished presence in the lives of those who have worked alongside her.
Point of View
Vidya Balan, and others reflects Azmi's rare dual standing: critically celebrated and genuinely beloved by peers. At 75, with a career that spans parallel cinema's golden era, the OTT age, and everything in between, her continued relevance is less a tribute to longevity and more a testament to range. The industry's warmth here is also, quietly, a statement about the kind of actress it wishes it produced more of.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Shabana Azmi turn 75?
Shabana Azmi turned 75 on 18 September 2026. She celebrated the milestone a day before her birthday with close friends and colleagues from the Hindi film industry.
What did Divya Dutta post for Shabana Azmi's birthday?
Divya Dutta shared a heartfelt video montage on social media, calling Shabana Azmi 'a legend' and 'a class apart' and describing her as 'the brightest colour in life.' The video featured candid moments the two actresses have shared over the years.
What films have Divya Dutta and Shabana Azmi worked on together?
The two actresses have shared the screen in the classroom drama Chalk n Duster and the critically acclaimed short film Sheer Qorma, which explored themes of identity and belonging.
What surprise did Vidya Balan give Shabana Azmi on her birthday?
Actress Vidya Balan and her husband, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, gifted Shabana Azmi a personalised birthday cake featuring an artistic depiction of the actress and the inscription 'A talent that is borderless. EST. 1950 STILL GOING STRONG.' Azmi shared the gesture on social media, thanking the couple for the thoughtful surprise.
Who is Shabana Azmi?
Shabana Azmi is a five-time National Award-winning actress with a career spanning over five decades in Hindi cinema. She is widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's most accomplished performers, known for both parallel and mainstream films, as well as her prominent public voice on social issues.
