Mumbai: Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has recalled how the poster of her 1974 film Ankur was initially met with ridicule at Mumbai’s Kemps Corner because of its unusual design. However, after the film was released, some of the same people who had mocked the poster reportedly praised it, saying they had known from the artwork itself that the film would be good.
Taking a trip down memory lane in a social media post on Sunday, November 15, Azmi remembered how the poster stood out from the conventional film advertisements of that time.
The poster featured Azmi lying beside the film’s lead actor, Sadhu Meher, with her eyes closed. Its unconventional presentation surprised passers-by, who questioned what the advertisement was meant to promote.
Recalling the reaction, the actress wrote, “I remember when this poster was put at Kemps Corner it was so different from the other posters of the day that it was met with scoff !! What is this ? An advert for earache ?”
She further recalled how the response changed after Ankur reached cinema halls. The same people who had initially laughed at the poster later claimed that they had realised from the artwork itself that the film would be good.
‘Ankur’ Marked Shabana Azmi’s Acting Debut
Released on September 24, 1974, Ankur marked Shabana Azmi’s acting debut and was the first feature film directed by celebrated filmmaker Shyam Benegal.
The film is believed to have been inspired by a real incident that took place in Hyderabad during the 1950s. It went on to receive significant recognition, winning three National Film Awards.
The film received the Second Best Feature Film award, while Shabana Azmi won the Best Actress award and Sadhu Meher received the Best Actor honour.
‘Ankur’ Earned International Recognition
Apart from its recognition in India, Ankur also received international attention and was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 24th Berlin International Film Festival.
Produced by Lalit M. Bijlani, Freni Variava and Blaze Film Enterprises, the film became an important milestone in the careers of both Azmi and Benegal.
Azmi’s latest recollection offers a glimpse into the film’s early reception and how an unconventional promotional poster eventually became part of the story surrounding one of her most significant early films.