Hansal Mehta says – “Shahid Azmi. Wish I could tell him how he changed my life. Wherever you are thank you Shahid.” The film earn two National Awards — best direction for Mehta. And best male actor for Rajkummar Rao, who plays the titular role.
Shahid also gave birth to one of the most successful collaborations in Hindi film industry with Mehta and Rao. Also who went on to work together on films like Citylights, Aligarh, Omerta and most recent, Chhalaang. Shahid was write by Apurva Asrani, who later collaborates with Mehta on films like Aligarh, CityLights and Simran.
On the 11th death anniversary of advocate Shahid Azmi, filmmaker Hansal Mehta on Thursday recalled how making a film on the human rights activist changed his life.
Thirty-two year old Azmi, who was best famous for defending cases of persons accuse of terrorism. He as assassinated on February 11, 2010 in Mumbai.
Shahid, the 2013 biographical drama based on the life and work of Azmi, prove to be a career turnaround for Mehta. Also who had previously made forgetful films like Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!! and Dus Kahaniyaan.
The critically-acclaimed film had its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2012 and opened to favourable audience response.
It also featured Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Prabhleen Sandhu and Baljinder Kaur.