Shabana Azmi’s birthday bash: Timeless Divas across generations create a rare Bollywood moment, watch
Bollywood had a magical night as veteran actress Shabana Azmi celebrated her 75th birthday in a grand, star-studded bash that felt like a glittering reunion of divas across eras- each one a chapter in the story of Indian cinema. Attendees ranged from the golden age icons to today’s shining stars, creating moments both nostalgic and joyous that are still being shared widely online.
Hosted by producer Boney Kapoor at his swanky Pali Hill residence, the party lit up Mumbai on September 18, 2025. The guest-list read like a who’s who of Bollywood royalty: Rekha, Urmila Matondkar, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit, Dia Mirza, Farah Khan, among many others. Family, close friends, and industry stalwarts came together to honour Azmi’s five decades of artistry.
What made the evening truly unforgettable were the spontaneous performances that set social media abuzz. Rekha and Madhuri Dixit charmed everyone with their graceful rendition of “Kaisi Paheli Zindagani” from Parineeta, soon joined by Vidya Balan and Urmila Matondkar. It was a rare and almost cinematic moment that beautifully bridged generations of actresses.
Adding to the magic, Shabana herself took to the dance floor with her husband Javed Akhtar, swaying to “Pretty Little Baby.” Their chemistry and charm left guests applauding, with filmmaker Farah Khan’s video of the couple going viral within hours.
Beyond the glitz, the night also carried the weight of Shabana Azmi’s legacy. With over 50 years in cinema, she’s known both for parallel‐cinema stalwarts and mainstream blockbusters, for roles that challenged stereotypes and for activism that inspired many. Messages poured in from peers, co-stars and mentees- Urmila Matondkar shared a nostalgic throwback to their Masoom days, expressing gratitude for Azmi’s influence.
The bash wasn’t just a birthday- it was a celebration of enduring artistry. It was proof that time may pass, but charisma, craft, and connection don’t fade- they only grow more luminous.