Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar has opened up about his wife Shabana Azmi’s decision to join the recent student protests in Delhi, despite the health risks involved. Recalling the moment Shabana told him she was travelling to Delhi for the demonstration, Javed said he immediately knew that she had made up her mind.
For Javed, the decision was not surprising. He believes activism has always been an important part of Shabana’s personality, dating back to the early years of their relationship. Speaking on a recent podcast, he praised his wife for following what he described as her “call of conscience” and said he was proud of her for standing alongside the protesting students.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Couple | Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi |
| Recent Protest | CJP-led student protest |
| Location | Jantar Mantar, New Delhi |
| Issue | NEET paper leak and examination reforms |
| Javed’s Reaction | Proud of Shabana |
| Shabana’s Reason | “Call of conscience” |
| Health Scare | Asthma attack after tear-gas exposure |
| Later Diagnosis | H1N1/swine flu |
| Earlier Activism | 1993 Cuffe Parade protest |
| Podcast | Lets Talk With DevnaG |
Javed Akhtar Knew Shabana Would Join the Protest
According to Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi called him while he was in London to inform him that she was going to Delhi to participate in the protests. Rather than trying to stop her, Javed said he understood immediately that she had already made her decision.
He recalled that the moment she told him about her plans, he felt that the “old Shabana” had returned. Javed said he knew that once her conscience pushed her towards an issue, it would be difficult for anyone to stop her.
He praised her decision and said he was proud that she chose to participate rather than simply watch the developments from a distance.
Shabana Azmi’s Long History of Activism
The Javed Akhtar Shabana Azmi story is not just about one recent protest. Javed pointed out that his wife has been involved in social causes for decades.
He recalled that activism was already an important part of Shabana’s life when their relationship was developing in the late 1970s. Over the years, she has repeatedly spoken out on social issues and participated in public campaigns.
One of the most memorable examples came in 1993, when Shabana joined slum residents in Mumbai’s Cuffe Parade area to protest against the demolition of their homes. She was arrested along with several others and reportedly refused to seek bail or accept the charges against her.
The incident became particularly memorable because Shabana was scheduled to perform in the play Tumhari Amrita at Tata Theatre. Despite her arrest, she eventually made it to the stage.
Javed later had to go to the police station to bail her out.
Why Did Shabana Join the CJP Protest?
Shabana joined the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-backed student protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over concerns surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak and examination reforms.
Before physically joining the protest, Shabana and Javed had reportedly attempted to raise the issue through a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They requested that the government initiate dialogue with the protesting students.
According to Shabana’s account, they waited for a response but eventually decided that simply writing a letter was not enough. She then travelled to Delhi and joined the students on the ground.
Her participation was notable because only a limited number of Bollywood personalities chose to physically join the demonstration rather than expressing support online.
Shabana Faced a Health Scare During the Protest
The decision came with a serious physical challenge. During the protest, Shabana Azmi became unwell and had to be assisted away from the crowded gathering.
She later revealed that exposure to tear gas triggered an asthma attack. Shabana, who is asthmatic, said she had her inhaler with her and was able to recover before returning to interact with protesters.
The situation became even more difficult after she was subsequently diagnosed with H1N1, or swine flu. She announced that she would remain in isolation and take complete bed rest while recovering.
Despite the health setback, her participation in the protest became one of the most discussed aspects of her recent public activism.
Javed Says Fear Cannot Always Stop You
Javed Akhtar also reflected on the fear that naturally accompanies public protests and standing against powerful institutions.
He acknowledged that people can feel scared in such situations but argued that there are moments when a person has to overcome that fear and speak according to their conscience. His comments suggest that he sees Shabana’s activism as an extension of her personal values rather than an attempt to attract publicity.
For him, the important thing is being able to stand by one's beliefs when it matters.
A Relationship Built Around Shared Convictions
The latest Javed Akhtar Shabana Azmi revelation also offers an unusual glimpse into their relationship. Javed’s reaction shows that Shabana’s activism is something he has understood and accepted throughout their decades together.
Rather than asking her to stay away from controversy, he appears to recognise that speaking out is deeply connected to who she is.
From the 1993 Cuffe Parade protest to the recent CJP demonstration, Shabana has repeatedly shown that she is willing to step beyond the comfort of celebrity life when an issue matters to her.
And for Javed Akhtar, that courage is precisely why he remains proud of her.
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