Throwback Tuesdays: Shabana Azmi Reveals Arth Had No Script, Filming Was Spontaneous

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi recently shared surprising throwback details about the making of Arth (a 1982 film), one of the most iconic films in Indian cinema. In a candid conversation, she revealed that the film had no proper script during its production. According to Azmi, the process was “very ad hoc” and much of the movie was created on the go, with scenes often being developed spontaneously.

Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, Arth (1982) is regarded as a classic that addresses themes of love, infidelity, and self-discovery. Despite the lack of a structured script, the film became a landmark in Indian cinema, largely due to the strong performances by Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Smita Patil. Azmi mentioned that the lack of a traditional script brought an organic quality to the performances, as the actors were more connected with their characters’ emotions.

Arth is still remembered for its raw and realistic portrayal of relationships. Azmi’s revelation about the unconventional filmmaking process adds to the film’s legacy, showing that sometimes, magic can happen even without a formal plan in place. Fans continue to admire the film for its bold narrative and stellar performances.