Veteran actress Shabana Azmi showed her support for the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest march in Delhi, joining demonstrators who are demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and calling for educational reforms.
At the age of 75, Shabana actively participated in the peaceful march, sharing glimpses of her experience on social media. The actress was seen travelling in a truck alongside fellow actor Prakash Raj and other protesters as the group moved forward during the demonstration.
Sharing a picture from the protest, Shabana wrote that she was relieved after the government agreed to hold discussions with CJP representatives. She said the protest at Jantar Mantar was peaceful and focused on issues related to education reforms.
In another video shared online, Shabana was seen crossing barricades with the help of protesters. Despite appearing tired after walking and participating in the march, the veteran actor continued to stand with the demonstrators. She said, “Seeing the energy and so many people here gives you courage,” while expressing respect for everyone who had gathered for the cause.
Shabana Azmi Defends Peaceful Protest
Speaking to PTI during the march, Shabana Azmi highlighted that the protest was based on the principles of peaceful demonstrations taught by Mahatma Gandhi.
She said that the protesters were exercising their constitutional right and had no intention of creating violence. According to her, the movement was about raising concerns and seeking solutions through peaceful means.
The actress also responded to questions about the limited presence of Bollywood celebrities at the protest. She said that focusing only on the absence of film personalities takes attention away from the larger issue.
Shabana pointed out that discussions should focus on the people participating in the movement and the concerns they are raising rather than creating unnecessary controversy around celebrity involvement.
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A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)
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A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)
Celebrities Show Support for CJP Protest
Several members of the film industry have expressed support for the protest. Actors including Prakash Raj, Hrithik Roshan, Sonakshi Sinha, Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, and others have shared messages of solidarity either online or by appearing at the protest site.
Prakash Raj also joined protesters in Delhi and spoke in support of their demands, while Shabana Azmi was seen encouraging those participating in the hunger strike.
Hema Malini Calls for Dialogue
Meanwhile, BJP MP and actor Hema Malini shared a different view on the protest. Speaking to ANI, she said that issues should be resolved through discussions rather than demonstrations.
She stated that if there are concerns regarding the education system, they should be addressed through proper dialogue. She also said that the government has worked for students and youth and urged that solutions should come through conversations.
As the CJP protest continues to gain attention, the issue has sparked discussions across political circles, civil society, and the entertainment industry, with supporters calling for reforms and others emphasising dialogue as the way forward.
