By 4pm on Gandhi Jayanti, Mumbai’s Shivaji Park had become a cross-section of the city, with college students alongside senior citizens, Gen Z protesters alongside activists and families, and cultural veterans joining CJP’s protest seeking the CEC’s resignation. Among them were Bollywood names, including Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj, Hansal Mehta, Vishal Dadlani, Shashank Arora and activist Tushar Gandhi.For some, showing up was simply about lending their support. “I don’t know whether anything has happened to anyone. I have come here only to extend my support,” said Vishal Bhardwaj, stressing that turning up was a personal choice. “Whether Bollywood should also support this issue is an individual and personal matter. I am a part of Bollywood, but other people may feel that bigger stars should come forward. It is an individual choice. If someone feels that what is happening is wrong, they have come out in support. If they don’t feel that way, they may choose not to.”
Shabana Azmi at the protest:
This is a question of our democracy. It is a question of our rights. It is a question of our voice. We have been told since childhood to cast our votes, claim our rights, and raise our voices. But when our fundamental right is snatched away or manipulated, what is a person supposed to do? Naturally, they will protest, and this ‘people’s power’ is unstoppable now
Vishal Bhardwaj at the protest:
Whether Bollywood should also support this issue is an individual and personal matter. I am a part of Bollywood, but other people may feel that bigger stars should come forward. It is an individual choice
