The screening of "Shahid," a compelling biographical drama helmed by Hansal Mehta, attracted a constellation of prominent Bollywood figures, including Rajkummar Rao, Prabhleen Sandhu, Mukesh Chhabra, among others. This event marked a celebration of the film's achievements, which narrates the poignant and gripping tale of Shahid Azmi, a lawyer and human rights advocate who was tragically murdered in 2010.

The screenplay for "Shahid" was crafted by Sameer Gautam Singh and the film was produced by Anurag Kashyap, Sunil Bohra, Ronnie Screwvala, and Siddharth Roy Kapur under the UTV Spotboy label. The narrative delves deeply into Azmi's life, highlighting his valiant struggle for justice amid the socio-political challenges faced in India.

Rajkummar Rao's interpretation of Shahid Azmi received widespread acclaim, with his moving performance earning him numerous awards, including the Best Actor accolade at the 61st National Film Awards.

Mehta's initiative to adapt Azmi's story for the screen was inspired by the tragic news of his assassination. Following a period of box-office challenges, Mehta found renewed motivation in Azmi's life, driving him to create a film that underscores the significance of justice and human rights. After commencing his research nearly three months post-Azmi's death, Mehta partnered with Sameer Gautam Singh, who dedicated months to interviewing Azmi's family to develop the screenplay. The script also benefited from the input of Apurva Asrani, who collaborated on the editing with Mehta, while Anuj Rakesh Dhawan served as the director of photography.

Shahid received widespread acclaim for its profound emotional resonance and compelling narrative, garnering praise at numerous film festivals. At the Mumbai Film Festival, it was awarded the Silver Gateway Trophy, while Mehta secured the Best Director Award. The film also gained recognition at the New York Indian Film Festival and the Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart, further establishing its status as an exceptional work of cinema.

Premiering in Indian theaters on October 18, 2013, Shahid not only struck a chord with viewers but also left a lasting impression on the film industry. Rajkummar Rao's performance is particularly noteworthy, representing a significant milestone in his career and earning him the esteemed National Film Award for Best Actor. Hansal Mehta’s artistic vision and direction have indelibly marked Shahid in the memories of those who appreciate powerful storytelling.

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