Cinema VinesVeteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi has announced that she has been diagnosed with H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, and will be in isolation for the next five days. The diagnosis came after she had been actively participating in student protests over the alleged NEET exam paper leak.
Azmi had been in Delhi for three days, marching with students at Jantar Mantar, joining the "Chalo Sansad" rally and supporting those on hunger strike. She had planned to join a protest in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on Friday, but her illness forced her to miss the demonstration.
In a post to her followers, Azmi wrote, "My dear Mumbaikars, I was meant to join your protest yesterday, but I've come down with H1N1 and need to remain in isolation for the next five days." She added that she remains connected to the movement and continues to receive updates from participants on the ground.
Azmi praised the courage of the young protesters, many of whom were participating in a demonstration for the first time. She said, "I want to express my solidarity and appreciation. I'm receiving first‑hand reports from the young people on the ground. Many of them have taken part in a protest for the first time and have experienced how much their voice counts." She concluded that their commitment continues to inspire her and that she stands in solidarity with them.
In her post, Azmi also shared a poem written by her late father, the renowned poet Kaifi Azmi. The actress is one of the few celebrities who have chosen to join protests in person rather than limit their support to social media.
