August’s first two weeks would have seen Shabana Azmi at her busiest with her two releases, Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2. Unfortunately, her ill-health has deterred her from being part of the movies’ promotions. The senior actor has been hospitalised since July 30 after being diagnosed with H1N1 swine flu and chronic bronchitis.

On returning to Mumbai from Delhi where she had participated in the students’ protests and the July 20 Chalo Sansad march, Azmi was running a high fever and soon diagnosed with H1N1 swine flu. Despite being unwell, the veteran actor made an appearance at the July 28 trailer launch of Rajkumar Santoshi’s directorial venture, featuring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta.

A source said, “Shabana should be discharged within two-three days, but for now, no visitors are allowed because it’s still contagious. On the work front, she is thrilled that the pre-release screenings of Batwara 1947 have been full of praise, particularly for Sunny and her performances. She is hopeful that the human drama will connect with the audience.”

Speaking to mid-day from the hospital, Azmi said that her weak lungs have lengthened the recovery process.

She added, “I am feeling better and optimistic that Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 have generated so much interest. I am grateful that senior actors are given such diverse characters to play, as we saw in the case of Naseeruddin Shah in Main Vaapas Aaunga and Made in India: A Titan Story.”