How did Sulakshana Pandit help Shabana Azmi's career?

Sulakshana Pandit advised Shabana Azmi not to quit the film industry after a choreographer insulted her dancing, convincing Azmi to stay and continue her acting career.

What was Shabana Azmi's initial reaction to the choreographer's insult?

Azmi was aghast, livid, and affronted by the choreographer's snide comment about her dancing skills, and she stormed out of the set, vowing to quit the industry.

How did Sulakshana Pandit's words inspire Shabana Azmi?

Pandit's simple yet profound advice that the choreographer, not Azmi, was at fault was a "Eureka moment" for Azmi, who had always admired Pandit's beauty and on-screen presence. This advice convinced Azmi to stay in the industry.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sulakshana Pandit's Empathy Prevented Shabana Azmi from Quitting Bollywood

Sulakshana Pandit's Empathy Prevented Shabana Azmi from Quitting Bollywood

7 Nov

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Summary

Sulakshana Pandit advised Shabana Azmi not to quit acting after a choreographer insulted her dancing
Azmi was about to leave the industry but Pandit's words convinced her to stay
Pandit's cinematic work and BTS tales have inspired generations

Sulakshana Pandit's Empathy Prevented Shabana Azmi from Quitting Bollywood

In November 2025, the veteran singer-actress Sulakshana Pandit sadly passed away, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic marvels that will inspire generations for decades to come. However, it is not just her on-screen work that has touched millions of hearts, but also her behind-the-scenes tales.

One such story involves Pandit's role in saving the film career of acclaimed actress Shabana Azmi. A few years ago, Azmi was rehearsing for a qawwali-mujra sequence for a Manmohan Desai film when the choreographer, a formidable name in the industry, snidely commented, "Why come into the acting field when you don't know how to dance?" Azmi was aghast, livid, and affronted, and she stormed out of the set, vowing to quit the industry.