Lyricist Javed Akhtar has lauded his wife, actor Shabana Azmi, for her unwavering commitment to social justice after she joined the CJP protests in New Delhi despite facing a severe health crisis.
- Shabana Azmi joined the CJP student protests at Jantar Mantar regarding NEET paper leaks.
- Azmi suffered an asthma attack due to tear gas and was later diagnosed with H1N1.
- Javed Akhtar describes her activism as a "call of the conscience" rooted in her identity since the 1970s.
In a recent emotional revelation on the podcast 'Lets Talk With DevnaG', renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar opened up about his immense pride in his wife, veteran actor Shabana Azmi. The actor had recently made headlines for joining the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) student protests in New Delhi, advocating for students affected by the NEET paper leak scandal.
The protest, however, took a toll on Azmi's health. During the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar on July 20, Delhi Police deployed tear bombs, which triggered a severe asthma attack for the actress. Following this incident, she was subsequently diagnosed with H1N1, raising concerns about her well-being given her age and the intensity of the environment.
The Call of Conscience
Despite the risks, Akhtar stated that he never discouraged her. "She called me when I was in London to tell me she’s going to Delhi for the protests. When she told me, I knew she would. It’s the call of the conscience," Akhtar shared. He emphasized that the "old Shabana"—the fearless activist—had woken up, and for her, the necessity of speaking the truth outweighed any personal fear or health risk.
"We feel scared most of the time, but one must overcome that fear to speak the truth—or risk losing their self-respect."
A Legacy of Resistance: Historical Background
Akhtar highlighted that Azmi's activism is not a recent phenomenon but a lifelong commitment. He recalled her involvement in the 1993 Cuffe Parade protests in Mumbai, where she fought against the demolition of slum dwellers' homes. During that period, Azmi was arrested along with 16 others. In a display of sheer determination, she reportedly refused to seek bail initially.
In a cinematic turn of events, Akhtar recounted how Azmi's mother, Shaukat Kaifi, persuaded the police to escort her to the Tata Theatre. Azmi performed her play Tumhari Amrita in the same dusty clothes she wore during her detention, symbolizing her refusal to let state pressure stifle her art or her activism.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the intersection of celebrity influence and grassroots activism often creates a powerful catalyst for public discourse. In Azmi's case, her transition from the screen to the streets of Delhi underscores a broader trend of veteran artists using their platform to challenge systemic failures in education and governance. This act of defiance, backed by the public support of a figure like Javed Akhtar, reinforces the idea that intellectual integrity is paramount over professional safety.
Azmi further revealed that before joining the protests, she and Akhtar had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a dialogue with the students. It was the lack of a substantive response for three days that finally pushed her to join the demonstrations in person.
| Event | Year | Cause | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuffe Parade Protest | 1993 | Slum Demolitions | Arrest & Detention |
| CJP Protest | 2026 | NEET Paper Leak | Health Scare (H1N1/Asthma) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shabana Azmi join the CJP protest?
She joined to support students protesting the NEET paper leak after a formal request for dialogue with the Prime Minister went unanswered.
What health issues did Shabana Azmi face during the protest?
She suffered an asthma attack due to tear gas used by police and was later diagnosed with H1N1.
