Shabana Steals AishwariyaÂs Thunder in ÂUmrao JaanÂ
- IndiaGlitz, [Saturday,November 04 2006]
It was disheartening to note during the music launch of ÂUmrao Jaan more than a month ago that a ravishing Shabana Azmi was completely overshadowed by the gorgeous Aishwariya Rai. The deluge of flash bulbs and overzealous television crews were ready to go-for-the-kill to get a wee-bit-close to madam Rai while no one really bothered about Azmi as she sauntered on her own. But having seen ÂUmrao Jaan yesterday, I must say Shabana Azmi has stolen AishwariyaÂs thunder even in a relatively smaller role. The seasoned actress is truly outstanding in a plastic film lacking soul and editing skills.
The first thing that truly appeals about ShabanaÂs character Khanum Jaan is the range of emotions that she displays with effortless ease. She is the calculative head of a courtesanÂs palace (Kotha) who knows how to use people at an opportune time. But at the same time she also has a heart of gold and an amazing integrity towards her professional responsibilities. Check her out in the scenes with Abhishek Bachchan when she provokes him into buying an expensive shawl for her or when she decides to stay back during the British onslaught as she whisks away her girls from the back door of the haveli.
What really heightens ShabanaÂs performance level is her immaculate command over the Urdu diction-n-pronunciation, something which is sorely lacking in almost all the other characters (including Aishwariya). Moreover, her body language, facial expressions and aura is entertaining as well as gripping. Ash may have worn ornate dresses, sung all the songs and romanced with AbyÂs baby, but it is Shabana who towers with her performance.
In other words Shabana has stolen AishwariyaÂs thunder in ÂUmrao JaanÂ.