Shabana Azmi is a legendary Indian actress and activist, widely regarded as a pioneer of parallel cinema. Over a five-decade career spanning Bollywood, Hollywood, and British projects, she has starred in over 160 films. She holds a record five National Film Awards for Best Actress, starring in landmark films like Ankur, Arth, and Fire. Beyond cinema, she is a fierce social crusader for women's rights and slum dwellers, and served as a nominated Member of Parliament. She remains an active force in both mainstream cinema and grassroots political activism.