WATCH: Shabana Azmi on SRK vs Sena: Bollywood is an easy target

As the face-off between Shah Rukh Khan and the Shiv Sena intensifies, Shabana Azmi says film folks often face Sena's wrath as actors make easy targets.

Shabana will play Shah Rukh's Mom in 'My Name Is Khan'

Last year, she turned down Yash Raj Films’ Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (the role that eventually went to Jaya Bachchan) because apparently, she was busy with The Loins of Punjab Presents . However, Shabana has now agreed to play Shah Rukh Khan’s mother in Karan Johar’s Khan.

A source said, “Normally, Karan would not think of casting anyone but Jayaji to play Shah Rukh’s mother. Reason being that both Shah Rukh and Karan dote on Jayaji and she has already played SRK’s mother in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Na Ho.” Apparently, it’s the strong political message of Khan that convinced Karan to sign Shabana instead of Jaya for the project.

The source added, “Khan conveys a very strong message. It’s about the isolation of the Muslims after 9/11. And who better equipped to put forward a cinema of ideas than Shabana? Also, the film is about a Muslim family based in the US. And Shabana would bring a natural elegance and credibility to her part.”

However, not much is being revealed about Shabana’s part in the film. But it goes without saying that she would be an essential part of the project.

When contacted to confirm her presence in the film, Shabana just laughed and said, “Main chup rahungi.”

Times Of India

"Shah Rukh Khan is a revelation" : Shabana Azmi

Despite her busy schedule, the actress spent some time to celebrate her birthday with husband Javed Akhtar.

The two of them watched the Shah Rukh Khan starrer super hit 'Chak De! India' at a suburban theatre on Sep 18.

'Would you believe, we hadn't seen the film yet.People were clapping and whistling. Lovely film. The girls are so spontaneous.
Shah Rukh Khan is a revelation.
My respect for Aditya Chopra has shot up manifold.
To convince the producer to put money into something so removed from the norm isn't easy.'

Bollywood actress and social activist Shabana Azmi will join several eminent activists from across the world at the UN headquarters in New York, Sep 22-26, to plead for food for the entire globe.

Himalayan Times - Nepal