Aparna is true inheritor of Satyajit Ray: Shabana Azmi

Mumbai, April 8 (IANS) Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who came for the premiere of 'The Japanese Wife' despite a fractured foot, believes director Aparna Sen is the true inheritor of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.

'I have seen 'The Japanese Wife' twice. It's such a wonderful film. I think that Aparna Sen is the true inheritor of Satyajit Ray,' she said.

'I am not saying because she is my very close friend, but I think she is the best filmmaker of the country. That's why I have come to support the film even with my fractured foot,' Shabana told reporters at the premiere of 'The Japanese Wife' Wednesday.

Shabana, who featured in Sen's '15 Park Avenue' (2005), attended the premiere in a wheelchair.

'Aparna and me share such a bonding that I can't deny any of her request. And today I proved that if she expects me, I will come even on my single feet. That's why I came today.

'I had been to hospital today thinking they will remove the plaster but they have put a fresh plaster and I have to keep it for two more weeks.'

Shabana is also impressed with Rahul Bose's performance in 'The Japanese Wife' and says he has given an award winning performance.

'This is the best work of Rahul. He has given an award winning performance. If you see him in this film, you won't get an ounce of urban, sophisticated and westernised Rahul Bose. I give full credit to Aparna.

'Raima's performance is outstanding too. 'The Japanese Wife' is like a Japanese painting,' said Shabana.

The actress recently completed director Gurinder Chadha's 'It's a Wonderful Afterlife'. She had to put on weight for her role.

'I had to put on 25 pounds for 'It's a wonderful Afterlife', which would be premiered in London. But probably I would not be able to attend it because of my fractured foot.

'Putting on the weight was wonderful because I ate all the samosas, jalebis and bhels I like. Nut Shedding that excessive weight was very difficult because I had to eat only lettuce and tomatoes,' said Shabana.