Ankur is Shabana Azmi’s premiere performance, and what a great premiere it was. Ankur is a movie about the caste system that was widely prevalent in India, and possibly some vestiges of the system continue to persist, another story. Shabana Azmi as Laxmi is a member of the caste that are potters, and works for a member of the aristocracy. The privilege of the aristocracy is condoned by the priests who maintain the critical aspect of privilege. Laxmi is married to a deaf mute, who abandons her, and sets the stage for intervention by her privileged employer who is married. When the employer’s wife arrives, he abandons all promises made to a now, pregnant Laxmi. Her deaf mute husband returns and forgives his now pregnant wife. Shabana Azmi shines in this movie and deserved to win the award for this her first movie, as her performance was outstanding. This film can be viewed more than once, but must be seen at least twice to see the nuances of this film develop. The pain and suffering described and revealed makes the viewer want to cry. Acting this good should be bottled and sold. Ankur was made in 1974, and is a story revelant for all times, places and people who have suffered the degradation bestowed upon the disenfranchised by the ruling classes.