 Shabana Azmi has been honoured by the city of New York for her contribution to cinema.
Azmi was presented with a 'Proclamation by the City of New York' "in recognition of her great contribution to the art of cinema and for her participation with the movie industry in New York City".
Patricia Kaufman, Executive Director of Motion Picture and Television Development, presented Azmi with the proclamation, saying: "Shabana Azmi's talent has garnered international acclaim, helping to shape the Indian film industry and build awareness of Indian cinema in North America," NDTV reports.
The proclamation also applauded her work as a social activist, noting that apart from being a "highly respected" advocate for social justice, she has worked tirelessly for other causes, including funding for displaced Kashmiri migrants and relief for victims of the Latur earthquake.
The 61-year-old actress was also presented with a 'Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition' by New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney.
Accepting the honour, Amzi said: "Coming from the city's council in recognition of my work in cinema is obviously something that makes me very happy.
"It would be a mistake to work in a film hoping that this is going to give me a national award or an Oscar because then you would not be working with truthfulness."
She continued: "If you are truthful to your work then dividends will flow naturally," adding that this was a lesson she learnt from her parents, renowned poet Kaifi Azmi and actor Shaukat Kaifi
Azmi has served as an advisory board member of the annual New York Indian Film Festival, established by the IAAC in 2000.
The annual film festival, which brings together feature films and documentaries from and about the Indian subcontinent, will be held this year from May 23 to May 27.
The actress has become the first Indian actor to receive the honour from the city. |
