‘I saw Parveen Babi going mad in front of my eyes': Shabana Azmi recalls co-star's declining mental health; know what early signs look like

Indian Express

09-05-2025

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi offered a rare and heartbreaking glimpse into the declining mental health of her co-star Parveen Babi, whose mysterious life and tragic end have long haunted public memory.
In a recent interview with Filmfare, Azmi spoke about witnessing disturbing changes in Babi's behaviour firsthand. 'I saw Parveen Babi going mad in front of my eyes,' she said, recalling a moment from the sets of Jwalamukhi. 'We were on set, and she suddenly looked up at the chandelier and screamed, 'This chandelier is going to fall on me!''
Azmi also recounted several other incidents that pointed to Babi's inner turmoil. 'She was eating very little. She would eat two grapes and say, 'I'm bursting,'' she said, referring to the shoot of Ashanti. Another unsettling memory involved Babi silently standing behind Zeenat Aman, watching her 'in a very strange kind of manner.' Azmi added, 'She was always speaking about esoteric things, discussing books. She was a big star, but never behaved like one. She was in pursuit of an intellect that didn't come easily to her — but she was trying, and she was clearly struggling.'
Neha Parashar, clinical psychologist, Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, 'Hallucinations and paranoid delusions are often symptomatic of underlying psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, or schizoaffective disorder. In such moments, the person may genuinely believe what they are seeing or fearing, even if it appears irrational to others. These episodes are not merely dramatic outbursts; they stem from a deeply altered perception of reality.'
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High-stress environments, performance pressure, and lack of privacy can sometimes act as triggers for vulnerable individuals, she adds. 'Sleep deprivation, erratic routines, or untreated mental health conditions can lower the threshold for such symptoms to emerge. In moments like the one Shabana Azmi described, what may seem sudden to bystanders could be the culmination of prolonged emotional strain or undiagnosed illness.'
Parashar explains, 'Yes, significant changes in eating behaviour or distorted bodily perceptions can sometimes be early indicators of a mental health condition.' When someone expresses physical sensations that don't align with reality, such as feeling overly full after consuming very little, it may point to somatic delusions or heightened anxiety.
These signs can be subtle and often overlooked, especially if the person seems functional. That's why early recognition is crucial. 'Family members, colleagues, or caregivers who notice a pattern of irrational fears, avoidance behaviours, or drastic changes in habits should consider gently encouraging the individual to speak with a mental health professional. Compassionate, non-judgmental support is key to early intervention,' says the expert.
In industries where individuals are under constant scrutiny and pressure to maintain a certain image, there's often a silence around vulnerability. This silence can reinforce stigma and isolate the person further, making it harder for them to seek help or be heard when they try.
'Opening up conversations, even retrospectively as Shabana Azmi has done, plays a powerful role in reducing stigma. It reminds us that mental health challenges can affect anyone and that timely empathy, observation, and professional support can make a profound difference,' stresses Parashar.