Shabana Azeez Expresses Concerns Over Fame’s Impact on Health
Shabana Azeez believes that fame poses risks to one’s well-being.
Although she hesitates to label herself as famous, the 29-year-old actress from Adelaide has experienced the effects of rising stardom since her casting as medical student Victoria Javadi in HBO Max’s award-winning series The Pitt. The show captured multiple accolades, securing five Emmys and two Golden Globes last season.
Azeez’s journey has unveiled an unexpected realization about success: as her career flourishes in Hollywood, she finds solace in her upbringing and the normalcy it offers.
“Fame is detrimental to your health,” Azeez remarked in an interview with SBS News.
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“I’m not famous in any significant way—thank goodness—but I can feel that shift happening in small doses, and it’s unhealthy,” she added.
Her antidote to this fame-induced pressure? Returning home.
“I feel very grateful that I can just step back and return to Adelaide, Australia, where people don’t treat me differently except perhaps to tease me.”
Azeez notes that taking a break from the industry is essential for rejuvenation. “It’s beneficial for your spirit to temporarily disengage from the chaos,” she said.
Becoming a Rising Star
The success of The Pitt has catapulted Azeez into the spotlight as one of the most closely followed emerging talents from Australia, despite her relative anonymity at home while the show gained global acclaim.
With the series renewed for a third season, Azeez is poised to further develop her character, which has resonated with a global audience.
Her path to Hollywood was not straightforward. Azeez was initially rejected from drama school and, instead of pursuing acting immediately, she took a more stable role in arts administration. However, a serendipitous audition for a short film opened the door to the Adelaide indie film scene, ultimately leading to her breakthrough in the acclaimed series.
Grounded by Her Roots
Raised in Adelaide by Indo-Fijian parents, Azeez never envisioned acting as a feasible career option. “The prevailing message was to avoid a career in acting,” she recalled, understanding her parents’ perspective on seeking financial stability.
Despite her growing fame, Azeez remains cautious, acknowledging the volatility of an acting career. “Success is rare; it’s essentially a gamble,” she stated. “It could all vanish overnight—there are no guarantees.”
“I recognize I had the privilege as a child to choose a path I love, for which I am tremendously grateful.”
Feeling Alienated
The initial year in Los Angeles for filming The Pitt was a mixed bag for Azeez. While it represented the realization of a dream, it also felt isolating.
“The first year was filled with a sense of loss as I faced the reality of my family’s distance from this world,” she expressed. “I longed for the familiarity of my community.”
“I felt like an outsider in Los Angeles; I yearned for the support of those who understood me.”
Her annual visits back to Adelaide have played a crucial role in maintaining her sense of self, where her achievements are viewed with humor rather than reverence.
A Meaningful Role and Impact
Azeez’s latest role in The Airport Chaplain brings her back to Australia, portraying Mira Ansari-Cole, a dynamic airport manager in a high-stakes environment. This eight-part SBS Original drama aims to shed light on the experiences of working mothers.
The series premieres on August 26, with episodes available on SBS On Demand and globally through Netflix. This marks Azeez’s first significant Australian project since her rise to fame.
Reflecting on her character’s complexities, Azeez emphasized the importance of representing women authentically in her roles. “Through my characters, I aim to showcase young women as they navigate life’s messiness while remaining deserving of empathy,” she asserted.
“It’s critical for women to understand that they need not conform to traditional expectations of kindness to earn respect.”
Recognizing Representation Without Pride
Azeez recognizes the impact her visibility brings to marginalized communities, particularly women of color in Australian media. “It’s an honor to provide representation that helps others feel less isolated and inspired to dream,” she stated.
However, she expresses discomfort with being labeled as a pioneer. “Being the first to achieve something can feel lonely and sad,” she reflected, emphasizing that such designations often reveal systemic gaps in representation.
“I take no pride in being the first—it’s disheartening for everyone who paved the way before me.”
Ultimately, Azeez expresses a wish to support others in navigating cultural complexities without feeling estranged. “I’m proud of the impact I can have but not necessarily proud of the title of ‘first,'” she concluded.
All episodes of The Airport Chaplain will be available on SBS On Demand starting August 26. The first two episodes will premiere on SBS at 8:30 PM on the same date, with additional episodes airing weekly.
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