Cinema VinesOn Monday, 75‑year‑old Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi joined a march organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in support of the student‑led protest at Jantar Mantar. The veteran star was among the few film personalities to walk the streets in the company of the party’s supporters, sharing photographs and videos of the event on her social media accounts. In one clip she can be seen riding in a truck alongside actor Prakash Raj, while in another she crossed a barricade with the help of the crowd.
During the gathering, Azmi reportedly began to feel unwell. A video posted by the Instagram page The Tubelight shows her being escorted by volunteers and security staff to a guard’s cabin for rest. The footage captures volunteers fanning her face to help her recover from the dizziness she experienced amid the crowded site. The actress later described the protest as “peaceful” and emphasized that the marchers had no intention of resorting to violence.
In a statement released during the march, Azmi highlighted the CJP’s demand for dialogue with the government. She praised the recent agreement for talks and remarked that the protest was “a peaceful @protest Jantar Mantar for educational reforms.” She also expressed admiration for the energy of the participants, saying, “Seeing the energy and so many people here gives you courage.”
When asked about the absence of other Bollywood stars at the demonstration, Azmi urged supporters to focus on the core issues rather than creating controversy. She noted that the lack of celebrity presence should not distract from the cause, adding that “you should support those who are marching for this cause, rather than diluting the matter.”
Azmi’s participation drew attention to the CJP’s broader campaign for educational reforms and its call for non‑violent protest. The incident underscores the growing involvement of public figures in political activism in India, while also highlighting the health risks associated with large‑scale demonstrations.
