The industry needs to stand behind Aamir’

Shabana Azmi speaks in defence of the actor from London

Subhash K Jha

Shabana Azmi who was in Ireland for the last nine days got to hear about the ban on Fanaa in Gujarat once she landed in London on May 27.

An evidently shocked Azmi says, "The attack on Aamir must be condemned in the strongest words possible because it is completely unjustified. Vested interests have been attempting to turn his remarks for the rehabilitation of project affected people in the Narmada dam into remarks against Gujarat. Aamir has only said what the Supreme Court has said. It is insane to ask him to apologise for his remarks that have been twisted out of context. I am very proud of what Aamir has done. Any attempts to harm him and intimidate him will only make his resolve stronger to fight for social justice. The industry needs to stand solidly behind Aamir and recognise that it is crucial to express solidarity with him. Today it is Aamir, tomorrow it could be anyone else."

It's not that Shabana has any issues about people protesting. "In a democracy the right to protest is an intrinsic freedom," says Shabana. "If people wish to demonstrate against Aamir Khan by holding placards outside the theatre showing Fanaa it is acceptable. However threats of violence should be dealt with firmly by the state. It is the state's business to ensure that those citizens who wish to see the film should have the freedom to do so. No political party has the right to jeopardise a film that has been duly cleared by the central board of film certification," she states.