Not many know about the strong bond shared by Zarina Wahab and Shabana Azmi during their early days in Bollywood. The duo’s friendship began long before their big-screen debuts, back in their FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) days. After college, Zarina and Shabana became even closer with Zarina staying at Shabana’s home in Mumbai. Despite this deep connection, Zarina once refused to work alongside Shabana in the same film – a decision that played a pivotal role in shaping Shabana’s career.
The Shocking Backstory
In a recent interview with Lehren Retro, Zarina Wahab opened up about this untold story. She recalled receiving a call from Rani Bhura during her early days in Mumbai. Rani informed her that the acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal was casting for a film and invited her to meet him. Zarina went for the meeting and took Shabana Azmi alongwith her, who waited outside while Zarina spoke with Benegal.
After the meeting, Zarina was thrilled to know that her idol Waheeda Rehman, is playing the elder sister’s role, and Zarina was offered the role of the younger sister. However, everything changed when Shabana went in to meet Shyam Benegal. Zarina recalled, “Bahar aayi aur aate hi mujhe usne kaha, ‘I am doing Waheeda Ji’s role.’ Fir maine kaha, ‘Wow, that’s very nice.’ He (the director) liked her, so he took her.”
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Why Zarina Wahab Turned Down the Role?
Zarina admitted she couldn’t accept the younger sister’s role after Shabana was cast in the lead. She explained, “Shabana is doing heroine’s role, then why should I do the small role? Nahi kiya maine. Uske baad unke office se itne baar message aaye, toh maine jawab hi nahi diya unko. Then they took somebody else.”
She clarified that she had no issue playing a smaller role alongside Waheeda Rehman but felt it wasn’t right to take on such a role with her batchmate and close friend, as she believed she couldn’t be play a junior to her.. Zarina humbly added, “Shabana ko Shyam Benegal ji se milwane wali main thi. Shayad mere peth ki dua jo usko lagi.”
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Watch the full interview below for the more interesting facts unveiled by Zarina Wahab:
A Career-Defining Break
This selfless decision led to Shabana Azmi’s debut in Shyam Benegal’s Ankur which became her breakthrough role. Zarina’s story sheds light on the deep respect and friendship they shared with Zarina expressing happiness for Shabana’s success and no regrets about her choice.
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