Cinema VinesVeteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi, a long‑time advocate for student rights, joined the Delhi student protest at Jantar Mantar in early July, standing beside demonstrators who were demanding reforms to the national examination system. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after allegations of a NEET paper leak and other irregularities surfaced.
Azmi’s involvement did not stop there. She was slated to attend a second rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Friday, but a sudden bout of swine flu—specifically H1N1—kept her from joining the march. Doctors advised a five‑day isolation period after her fever spiked to 102 degrees. Despite the setback, she took to Instagram on Saturday to post images from the protest and 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. Even so, 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. I continue to be inspired by your courage and commitment and stand by you in solidarity.” She also shared a poem by her father, Kaifi Azmi, adding a personal touch to her message.
Azmi’s activism has often put her in harm’s way. In an interview with the Indian Express, she recounted an asthma attack triggered by tear gas during the Jantar Mantar rally. “I am an asthmatic and got an attack because of the tear gas, but I had my pump with me so I am ok now. I was respectfully escorted to a nearby building and after catching my breath, I went right back and spoke to the students who had been lathicharged. Their spirit is unprecedented. My salaams to all of them,” she said. The incident underscored the physical risks faced by those who stand with students on the front lines.
The student movement has grown from a single protest in Delhi to a nationwide wave. Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist who had been on a hunger strike for over 20 days, ended his fast on Friday after the government announced arrests of those accused in the NEET leak and the establishment of fast‑track courts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also released a statement confirming the arrests and the court arrangements, while Pradhan resigned from his position. Azmi’s continued support, even from a distance, highlights her unwavering commitment to the cause and her belief in the power of student voices.
