Who better to perch atop a list like this than the most prolific of India's finest actresses?
Shyam Benegal's motion picture debut was a terrific little film featuring newcomers Azmi and Anant Nag in the lead roles. Azmi's character, that of a servant driven to infidelity, is a very well-etched and multifaceted one, and the actress is incredible in the part.
So overwhelming, in fact, was her impact with this film that she won the National Award for Best Actress. On debut.
Playing a perpetually perturbed character, Azmi smiles only once in the entire film -- during the song Yahi To Hai Woh in the background. It's a powerhouse performance, and one that gifted us with an actress to admire and cherish.
We're still smiling.
Also Read: When Shabana Azmi went on a Honeymoon
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