The 2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival will pay tribute to veteran actor Shabana Azmi with the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award, celebrating her illustrious 50-year career, the festival organizers announced on Friday, PTI reported.

The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), responsible for organizing the annual event, will present the award to Azmi on October 18. Following this, National Award-winning actor Vidya Balan will lead a masterclass on October 19, offering insights into Azmi’s versatile journey in the Indian film industry.

Azmi, a key figure in both parallel and mainstream cinema, began her career in 1974 with Shyam Benegal’s critically acclaimed film ‘Ankur.’ Her notable contributions include memorable roles in films such as ‘Arth’ and ‘Godmother.’

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the festival’s director, expressed the festival’s honor in recognizing Azmi’s five-decade-long contribution, which has significantly enriched Indian cinema.