What does Rekha have that i don’t?" Shabana Azmi's candid confession to Mira Nair

Mira Nair has crafted some of the most exceptional films in cinema history, including the 1996 release Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love, starring Rekha. This historic-erotic film, though banned in India, elevated the careers of both Rekha and Mira, becoming a cult classic internationally.

Interestingly, Shabana Azmi has long expressed a desire to collaborate with Mira Nair. Despite this, she has only managed to secure minimal roles in Nair's projects. Azmi did feature in Mira Nair’s 2012 political drama The Reluctant Fundamentalist, but her role was notably brief. The film starred Riz Ahmed, Liev Schreiber, Kate Hudson, and Keifer Sutherland. During a recent conversation at the New York Indian Film Festival, Shabana mentioned she’s still hoping for a significant role in one of Mira’s films.

When Mira asked Shabana about the notable directors she has worked with throughout her illustrious five-decade career, the Arth actress humorously remarked that she holds a grievance against one particular director with whom she has been in discussions for years. "And finally, she gives me a tiny role that doesn’t do justice to our relationship or her faith in me, and that woman is sitting next to me," Shabana commented, pointing at Mira.

Mira laughed and recounted an early encounter with Shabana, where Azmi pursued her into a women’s restroom in a five-star hotel in Juhu and demanded, "What does Rekha have that I don’t have?" Mira humorously added, "Humari pyaar ki ladayi hui in that ladies' room." Nevertheless, Mira reassured Shabana that they would work together again soon.

This isn't the first time Shabana has openly discussed her competitive nature with her colleagues. She recently acknowledged having treated them unfairly at times. Reflecting on past remarks about Smita Patil, Azmi admitted to News18 that their rivalry had some basis in reality, though it was often exaggerated.