Overview

• In new interviews on September 8–9, Azad calls comments that she “doesn’t need to work” because of a reported relationship with Hrithik Roshan deeply sexist.
• She says a woman’s identity is often diminished next to a male partner, citing co-star Soni Razdan being framed as Mahesh Bhatt’s wife despite her body of work.
• She describes structural hurdles for women in film, from reluctance to finance female-led stories to basic gaps such as inadequate washrooms on sets.
• She says the wave of attention tied to her personal life was overwhelming and that she relies on close friends and a sense of normalcy to cope.
• In a joint conversation with ex-partner Imaad Shah, both say their 2020 breakup evolved into a family-like friendship, and he often offers perspective on handling fame.