Shabana Azmi defends Bollywood’s silence at Sonam Wangchuk protest: ‘Not everyone can join every cause’

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has reacted to the criticism aimed at several Bollywood members for staying away from the current protests backing climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The actress, who took part in the Delhi protest held at Jantar Mantar, remarked that the issue of absence of Bollywood stars should not be considered too significant.

Speaking to the media, Shabana said that it is not right to blame those stars who are not present and pointed out that people have their own ways of showing support. She believes that it is not realistic to expect all celebrities to be present at every event of this kind and that the focus should be on the cause.

She said, “You are only worried about the fact that Bollywood celebrities are not present at the March. You don’t worry about the absence of industrialist, all the businessmen. When you ask these question, you sidelining the cause and creating unnecessary controversy. You should support those who are marching for this cause, rather than diluting the matter.”

Shabana has always been an advocate of Sonam Wangchuk’s cause.

Actor Prakash Raj accompanied Shabana at the protest; Prakash also spoke in support of the protest. Video footage showed the two engaging with the other protest participants, with Shabana interacting with a group of people who have been fasting and promising them her support.

The protest is currently ongoing at Jantar Mantar and many prominent personalities have lent their support to it over the past few weeks. Besides Shabana and Prakash Raj, various well-known personalities like Soni Razdan, Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratsna Patak Shah, Abhay Deol, Omi Vaidya and Atul Kulkarni have also supported Wangchuck, while expressing their worries over him going through health issues because of his fasting.

Along with causing widespread interest, Shabana’s statements have initiated a debate concerning whether or not it is compulsory for a celebrity to physically support every cause they agree with.