Shabana Azmi 
News

CJP Protests: Shabana Azmi says PMO didn’t reply to requests put forth by her and Javed Akhtar for initiating dialogue

Shabana Azmi also called out media's selective outrage over lack of solidarity from film industry, instead of questioning industrialists over their silence

Cinema Express Desk

We had reported earlier today about veteran actor Shabana Azmi joining the students in Delhi at the Jantar Mantar protests, where she met and interacted with many demonstrators. During one of her media interactions, Shabana has now revealed that she is yet to receive a reply from Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to a letter she wrote about the issue. 

Addressing the demonstrators at the protest, Shabana said, “I had thought at first I wouldn't go to press. That is why both Javed Akhtar and I wrote a letter to Prime Minister on July 15, asking to initiate a dialogue and hear us out." Later, speaking to Red Mike, Shabana stated, "At first, we received an acknowledgment saying that we would get a response within two days. But there was no reply for the next four days. So, on the fifth day, we came here ourselves.”

Earlier today, Speaking to PTI, Shabana had said, “We intend to carry a peaceful protest. We are here for our students, and we hope the people in power understand that.” Shabana also called out media's selective outrage over lack of solidarity from film industry, instead of questioning industrialists over their silence. 

Among others, Prakash Raj too was present at the protest today. Earlier on Sunday, he had shared a selfie video with the caption, “Youth of our country are #JustAsking.” Though the actor did not make a detailed statement, he showed protesters raising slogans in the background and remarked, “That’s youngsters fighting for the cause.”

In the past few days, the NEET paper leak protests have received a lot of support from the film fraternity. Other prominent figures who have raised their voices in solidarity with the students include Sonakshi Sinha, Abhay Deol, Naseeruddin Shah, Imran Khan and Vishal Dadlani.

Roja: Vijay made me reassess my acting career

Aishwarya Rajesh: I would love to play negative-shaded roles

Christopher Nolan hails Rajamouli's RRR for cracking the US market

Exclusive | Feminichi Fathima director Fasil Muhammed: With the National Award, I feel the film's journey is finally complete

Avengers: Doomsday trailer: Thor rallies heroes across three universes for their day of reckoning