Bollywood veteran Shabana Azmi joined the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest march on Monday, July 20, in support of the students demanding education reforms and accountability over alleged examination irregularities. Azmi's presence at the protest was notable, as it came a day after she arrived at Jantar Mantar to support the protesters on hunger strike. During the march, Azmi was questioned about the absence of other Bollywood celebrities, to which she responded with a sharp comeback.
'Have come for a peaceful protest'
Speaking to PTI while marching in Delhi, Azmi said, "All of us who are here, have come for a peaceful protest, to exercise the right granted to us by our country's constitution. Mahatma Gandhi taught us how to conduct a peaceful protest, and we have come here on that very foundation. We have absolutely no intention of causing any kind of violence, and we stand here firmly in that hope."
The actor was joined by other protesters, who were seen helping the 75-year-old as she marched alongside them.
'You’re only worried about absence of Bollywood celebrities'
When asked about the absence of other Bollywood celebrities at the protest march, Azmi said, "You are only worried about the fact that Bollywood celebrities are not present at the March. You don’t worry about the absence of industrialist, all the businessmen. When you ask these questions, you are sidelining the cause and creating unnecessary controversy. You should support those who are marching for this cause, rather than diluting the matter."
Azmi's support for the protesters on hunger strike is significant, as it comes from a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. Her presence at the protest and her response to questions about the absence of other Bollywood celebrities demonstrate her commitment to the cause and her willingness to use her platform to raise awareness and support for the students' demands.
The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the protest and went on an indefinite hunger strike. After 22 days of a peaceful hunger strike, Sonam was forcefully shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday. Following his forceful removal, the CJP announced its 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament on Sunday.
While most celebrities have chosen to stay silent on the matter, some have taken to social media to speak in favour of the protestors, including Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza, Azmi, and Zeenat Aman. Along with Azmi, actor Prakaj Raj was also seen at Jantar Mantar in support of the protestors on Sunday.
In my opinion, Azmi's participation in the protest march and her response to questions about the absence of other Bollywood celebrities demonstrate her commitment to the cause and her willingness to use her platform to raise awareness and support for the students' demands. Her presence at the protest and her sharp comeback to questions about the absence of other Bollywood celebrities are a testament to her dedication to the cause and her belief in the power of peaceful protest to bring about change.
