Welcome to ZisNews!

Read your favorite news, except the excluded topics, by you. Register
No overlapping ads for registered users

Aparna Sen says she regrets turning down Shyam Benegal for Ankur: ‘We got an actress of Shabana Azmi’s calibre'

Posted on: Apr 03, 2026 06:06 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Aparna Sen says she regrets turning down Shyam Benegal for Ankur: ‘We got an actress of Shabana Azmi’s calibre'
SHyam Benegal was a representative vocalise of the collimate movie theatre social movement that ushered in young aesthetics in the 1970s. His first film, Ankur, received widespread acclaim and marked the acting debut of Shabana Azmi. But did you know that Shabana was not the first choice for the film? Shyam had first offered the film to acclaimed actor Aparna Sen, but she had turned it down. In a new conversation with Straight up with Shree, Aparna revealed why.What Aparna saidThe veteran writer-director shared that her Hindi films were ‘thundering flops’ and she never made those films to become a mainstream heroine. She said, “I was asked and I did it. The money was tempting. I think I needed the money for something or the other and unfortunately the choices that I made were very wrong. The choices in Bengal were very well-made but for Hindi films it was not well made. The films which I didn't make which I feel that I should have done… one was Shyam Benegal's Ankur.”She continued, “He sent me a synopsis and it was written that she [the protagonist] would be speaking in Hindi with a dialect with spatterings of Telugu. I thought this is so far away and I was going to be the household help. This is not something I felt confident about. This was Shyam's first film and he asked a lot of people and had been turned down being a newcomer. I told that I loved the synopsis and story, but I don't think I will do it. He said, ‘Okay, fine. You just sent me the synopsis [back].’ He must have felt bad, but if he had said, 'Why'?' then I would have confided that I feel under-confident and he would have reassured me. But thank goodness that did not happen because Shabana [Azmi] was so good! We got an actress of Shabana's calibre!"About AnkurIn Ankur, Shabana played Laxmi, whose life turns upside down when she works as a househelp at a landlord's house to help sustain her own livelihood, along with her deaf-mute husband, Kishtayya. The young landlord begins an affair with Laxmi, creating a scandal in the conservative village. Shabana's performance earned massive acclaim and she went on to win the National Award for Best Actress.Meanwhile, Shabana and Aparna also became friends in the succeeding years. They collaborated on films such as Sati (1989), directed by Sen, and the 2017 drama Sonata, in which they both starred.

Global News Perspectives

In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.

Customizable News Feed

At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.

Like or Comment on News

Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.

Download the Android App

For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.

Diverse News Categories

With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.

Login to Like (0) Login to Dislike (0)

Login to comment.

No comments yet.