It was disheartening to note during the music launch of ‘Umrao Jaan’ more than a month ago that a ravishing Shabana Azmi was completely overshadowed by the gorgeous Aishwariya Rai. The deluge of flash bulbs and overzealous television crews were ready to go-for-the-kill to get a wee-bit-close to madam Rai while no one really bothered about Azmi as she sauntered on her own. But having seen ‘Umrao Jaan’ yesterday, I must say Shabana Azmi has stolen Aishwariya’s thunder even in a relatively smaller role. The seasoned actress is truly outstanding in a plastic film lacking soul and editing skills.

The first thing that truly appeals about Shabana’s character Khanum Jaan is the range of emotions that she displays with effortless ease. She is the calculative head of a courtesan’s palace (Kotha) who knows how to use people at an opportune time. But at the same time she also has a heart of gold and an amazing integrity towards her professional responsibilities. Check her out in the scenes with Abhishek Bachchan when she provokes him into buying an expensive shawl for her or when she decides to stay back during the British onslaught as she whisks away her girls from the back door of the haveli.

What really heightens Shabana’s performance level is her immaculate command over the Urdu diction-n-pronunciation, something which is sorely lacking in almost all the other characters (including Aishwariya). Moreover, her body language, facial expressions and aura is entertaining as well as gripping. Ash may have worn ornate dresses, sung all the songs and romanced with Aby’s baby, but it is Shabana who towers with her performance.

In other words Shabana has stolen Aishwariya’s thunder in ‘Umrao Jaan’.