Shabana

Shabana is a feminine given name used in various cultures, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East. It appears in literary, cinematic, and public life contexts as a personal name for women. The name is associated with communities in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Arabic-speaking regions, and it is also found among diaspora populations around the world.

Shabana Azmi (born 1950) is the best-known bearer of the name internationally. An Indian actress and social activist, she has played a prominent role in Hindi cinema and Indian parallel cinema. Her work includes early collaborations with director Shyam Benegal, such as Ankur (1974), as well as later films like Bhumika (1977) and several internationally recognized projects. Azmi's career has been complemented by involvement in theatre and advocacy on social issues, contributing to her reputation as a leading figure in Indian culture.

In addition to Shabana Azmi, the given name is used by other individuals across various fields, reflecting the name’s broad cross-cultural appeal. The name also appears in fictional and cultural contexts within the regions where it is commonly used. Overall, Shabana denotes a name with wide geographic and cultural reach, exemplified by its association with a prominent public figure and its presence among speakers of multiple languages.