Shabana Azmi reveals women came to her house seeking advice on marital issues after Arth’s release: ‘I realized the power…’

Shabana Azmi recalled how, despite their appreciation for the film Arth, distributors wanted the makers to change its ending.

By: Entertainment Desk

Chennai | July 2, 2024 07:14 PM IST

2 min read

Arth starred Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi in lead roles.

Arth, starring Shabana Azmi, is a landmark film in modern Hindi cinema. Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, the 1982 movie faced several challenges upon its release. In a recent interview, Shabana recalled how, despite their appreciation for the film, distributors wanted the makers to change its ending. The idea of a woman rejecting her apologetic husband was very foreign to them.

Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Shabana said, “The distributors liked Arth but they told us to change the end because it is not possible that a Hindustani shauhar (husband) apologises to his wife and she refuses to accept him. They asked us to change this but Mahesh Bhatt and I explained to them that we made the film because of its ending. So, no matter what you do, the film will stay the same. However, after its release, nobody could guess the kind of response that we got for the film.”

Also read | Arth shattered the illusions of ‘Made in Heaven’ weddings 40 years ago; Shabana Azmi needed no self-love monologue to declare her independence

Discussing Arth’s impact on society and how women from various walks of life reached out to her for help, Shabana Azmi said, “The film got the National Award but then it was like the film created a wave of change and courage in the society. Women started coming to my house not as fans but in sisterhood to ask for help to solve their marital problems. I felt I have so much responsibility and that’s when I realised the power actors have and how they can create an impact in the society. So, it won’t be right if they don’t use their position to do good for the society.”

Arth is said to be based on Mahesh Bhatt’s extramarital affair with late actor Parveen Babi. The film revolves around the character of Inder (Kulbhushan Kharbanda), an ambitious director, who has an extramarital affair with a successful actress, Kavita (Smita Patil). He deserts his wife, Pooja (Shabana Azmi), who then embarks on a journey to find her true identity.

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