Shabana Azmi: Ten Spectacular Performances by the 5-Time National Award winning actor

As the emotionally fragile and innocent Swarnalatha, Shabana ji was an epitome of grace and dignity. To perfect her role, the actress undertook Carnatic music classes in order to ascertain the composure and conduct of a classical singer. Despite average reviews, 'Morning Raga' added heft to Azmi's repertoire as an artist.

Playing a dreaded witch who baits for the blood of young children, Azmi was a picture of horror and fear. Underneath able prosthetics that made her appear ghastly on-screen, the actress' portrayal drew applause and acclaim worldwide.

Azmi completely slipped into the mystical figure of Santokben Jadeja, the mafia queen who operated from Gujarat and then eventually became a feared politician. The actress was fierce, unflinching and delivered a role that's etched in cinematic memories.

For an actress of her reputation and caliber, Shabana ji literally played with fire when she did the Deepa Mehta directorial opposite Nandita Das. Both played sisters-in-law who foster a relationship when neglected by their husbands. The film drew the ire of several religious groups and activists and was banned from an official theatrical release.

Playing a complex Indu in Shekhar Kapur's 'Masoom', Azmi denotes strength and compassion in equal measure. On one hand, she portrays a betrayed wife, on the other, she plays a hands-on mother. Azmi surely personified resilience in a dignified performance.

Mahesh Bhatt's most acclaimed and controversial work till date had Azmi cast opposite a fierce Smita Patil. Playing the wife who has been cheated upon, Azmi shows unparalled grit and determination in the most discomforting situations that eventually won her, her second National Award.

Sai Paranjpye's poignant and sensitive portrayal of unspoken love had Azmi offer a supporting hand to Naseeruddin Shah's National Award winning performance. Essaying concern and compassion, Azmi was faultless.

Another collaboration with Benegal, Azmi was joined by the supreme talent of Smita Patil. Based on an Urdu short story by Ghulam Abbas, Azmi plays the madam of a brothel with elan and sassiness. With her Hyderabadi diction and unapologetic mannerisms, it's hard to not be vowed.

As the neglected Begum of her chess-obsessed husband, Azmi emoted sexuality like no other in a day and age where portraying sexual tensions were not a norm in Hindi cinema, then. A brilliant adaptation of literary genius Munshi Premchand's short story by the same name, 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi' was filmmaker Satyajit Ray's most valuable contribution to Indian cinema.

'Ankur' was Shabana ji's debut film and also one of her first collaborations with veteran director Shyam Benegal. Fighting against oppression and patriarchy, Azmi's portrayal of Lakshmi won her the National Award for Best Actress.

Shabana Azmi is a powerhouse actress whose cinematic works have inspired many actresses for decades. A five-time National Award and Filmfare Award winner respectively, Shabana ji an icon whose performances have redefined the perceptions of the leading lady. Here's listing ten of her career-best films that have shaped her lucrative career.