Shabana Azmi Tests Positive for Swine Flu, Misses Mumbai Protest After Backing Chalo Sansad March
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu) and has been advised complete bed rest after developing a high fever. The 75-year-old actor shared the update on Instagram on Saturday, saying she would remain in isolation for the next five days.
Mumbai, July 25: Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu) and has been advised complete bed rest after developing a high fever. The 75-year-old actor shared the update on Instagram on Saturday, saying she would remain in isolation for the next five days. Despite her illness, Azmi expressed solidarity with the ongoing Chalo Sansad protest, which she had joined earlier this week in Delhi.
Shabana Azmi Announces H1N1 Diagnosis
Sharing her health update on Instagram, Azmi wrote that she had been unable to attend a scheduled protest in Mumbai after contracting H1N1.
"My dear Mumbaikars, I was meant to join your protest yesterday, but I've come down with H1N1 and need to remain in isolation for the next five days. Even so, I want to express my solidarity and appreciation."
She added that she continued to receive updates from students participating in the movement and praised their determination.
"I'm receiving first-hand reports from the young people on the ground. Many of them have taken part in a protest for the first time and have experienced how much their voice counts. I continue to be inspired by your courage and commitment and stand by you in solidarity."
Shabana Azmi Diagnosed With H1N1, Shares Health Update
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Shabana Azmi Joined Chalo Sansad Protest
Azmi was among the first prominent Bollywood personalities to publicly support the Chalo Sansad march. On July 20, she joined thousands of students and citizens marching towards Parliament during the Monsoon Session. Shabana Azmi Diagnosed With Swine Flu, Misses Protest After Doctors Advise Complete Bed Rest.
The actor later shared photographs with veteran actor Prakash Raj at the protest site and described the movement as a peaceful demonstration. She also posted videos from Jantar Mantar, urging reforms in the education system and calling for greater public investment. Jantar Mantar Protest: Nandita Das, Shabana Azmi Extend Solidarity to Peaceful Protesters.
In one of her posts, Azmi demanded that 6 per cent of GDP be allocated to education, public health and women's empowerment, while also reciting poems by her father, renowned poet Kaifi Azmi.
Actor Suffered Asthma Attack During Protest
Azmi also revealed that she suffered an asthma attack after being exposed to tear gas during the Delhi protest.
Speaking to The Indian Express, she said she used her inhaler after being escorted to a nearby building and later returned to meet students who she claimed had been lathi-charged.
"Their spirit is unprecedented. My salaams to all of them," she said.
Why Shabana Azmi Joined the Demonstration
Explaining her participation, Azmi said she and her husband, lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar, had first attempted to raise the issue privately with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by writing a letter requesting dialogue with educator Sonam Wangchuk.
According to Azmi, they received an acknowledgement but no further response, prompting them to join the public demonstration.
Background of the Chalo Sansad Protest
The Chalo Sansad protest gained momentum after educator and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike, which ended on Thursday night. Students and supporters marched towards Parliament demanding talks with the Centre and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
The march was stopped by Delhi Police, leading to clashes that triggered widespread political debate and criticism.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2026 01:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
