Shabana Azmi To Receive Freedom Of The City Of London Award At UK Asian Film Festival: I Am Humbled | EXCLUSIVE

The unconquerable Shabana Azmi will be honoured with the Freedom of City of London Award by the City of London Corporation, in recognition of her prolific contribution to Indian cinema and as a campaigner for women’s rights. The award presentation will be a part of the celebrations to mark her 50 years in the industry at this year’s UK Asian Film Festival – the world’s longest-running South Asian film festival outside the Subcontinent.

The ceremony will take place on Friday 10th May at Guildhall, City of London.

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. As well as being nominated or applied for, the Freedom is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Other recent high-profile recipients include theatre entrepreneurs, Dame Rosemary Squire, Sir Howard Panter and Sir Cameron Mackintosh; former England and Arsenal footballer, Ian Wright; double Olympic gold medallist Tom Dean, MBE; and the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty.

Just before Shabana Azmi flew off to London on Saturday night she spoke to this writer. “It is an honour , for sure, to be counted in the city of London among Dame Rosemary Squire, Sir Howard Panter and Sir Cameron Mackintosh.”

By now Shabana is unarguably the most honoured and awarded actor in India. Isn’t she bored of being bombarded with recognition? “No, I don’t get bored of getting awards. I am surprised when artistes say they are bored of awards. To me each token of recognition is a reminder that I’ve done something that makes me relevant . And this, one the Freedom of City of London Award by the City of London Corporation, is right up there with my five National awards which I’ m so proud of.”

Shabana says, “In anticipation of the esteemed Freedom of the City of London Award, I am deeply honoured. This recognition not only celebrates my contribution to cinema but also emphasises the intrinsic link between art and activism. I am humbled by this distinction and eagerly anticipate the chance to continue advocating for social causes through storytelling.”