Shabana Azmi Remembers the Controversial Poster of Ankur That Sparked Laughter
Shabana Azmi recalls the mixed reactions to Ankurs poster before its release, highlighting its journey from mockery to acclaim.
Mumbai, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi has starred in numerous films that have not only showcased her talent but also transformed Hindi cinema. Among these is her debut film, “Ankur,” released in 1974, which catapulted her into the spotlight.
Before its release, the film’s poster drew more attention for ridicule than praise. When the poster was displayed at Camp’s Corner in Mumbai, it was met with laughter rather than admiration. Interestingly, after the film hit theaters, the same individuals who mocked the poster began to commend it.
On Sunday, Shabana shared a throwback photo of the “Ankur” poster on her Instagram, reminiscing about how posters were designed differently in that era. The poster featured her alongside lead actor Sadhu Meher, with Shabana’s eyes closed as she lay next to him, which many found peculiar.
In her post, she recalled, “I remember when this poster was put up at Camp’s Corner, it was so different from other posters of that time that people mocked it. They asked, ‘What is this? An advertisement for earache medicine?’”
However, Shabana noted that once the film was released, audience perceptions shifted dramatically. Those who had initially laughed at the poster later claimed it hinted at the film’s quality.
“Ankur” was not only Shabana Azmi’s first film but also marked the directorial debut of renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal. The film is inspired by a real incident from the 1950s in Hyderabad, addressing issues like rural society, caste discrimination, and social inequality. It garnered significant attention from both audiences and critics due to its compelling narrative and performances.
The film achieved notable success at the National Film Awards, winning accolades for Best Feature Film and Best Actress for Shabana Azmi, while Sadhu Meher received the Best Actor award. Additionally, “Ankur” was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 24th Berlin International Film Festival.
Produced under the banners of Lalit M. Bijlani, Freny Wariawala, and Blaze Film Enterprises, “Ankur” was released in theaters on September 24, 1974.
