Home / Arts and Entertainment / Aparna Sen's 80th Birthday Bash: A 'State Event' in Bengal, Says Shabana Azmi
Aparna Sen's 80th Birthday Bash: A 'State Event' in Bengal, Says Shabana Azmi
25 Oct
Summary
- Aparna Sen turned 80 on October 25, 2025
- Shabana Azmi flew from Mumbai to Kolkata to attend the celebration
- Shabana calls Aparna "Bengal's most treasured actress" after Suchitra Sen
On October 25, 2025, iconic actress-filmmaker Aparna Sen celebrated her 80th birthday in Kolkata. Her best friend and frequent collaborator, Shabana Azmi, flew from Mumbai to attend the grand celebration. Shabana spoke affectionately about Aparna, calling her "Bengal's most treasured actress" after Suchitra Sen.
The two artists have shared a close friendship over the years, having first bonded while working on the 1989 film Sati. Shabana recalls the film being shot in torrential rain, with her character falling seriously ill with pneumonia. Despite the challenges, the experience marked the beginning of a wonderful friendship that has lasted to this day.
Shabana cherishes Aparna not just as a confidante but also as a filmmaker, praising her profound understanding of cinema. The two have teased and scolded each other like siblings, with Shabana often joking about Aparna's "quaint English" and Aparna poking fun at Shabana's "Bombay accent." Their enduring bond is a testament to their shared passion for the arts and their deep respect for one another.
