Bollywood star Shabana Azmi warns Sky News that democracy is facing threats worldwide

Legendary Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi has spoken out about the importance of protecting democracy in a recent interview with Sky News. As India enters the fourth phase of a seven-week long general election, Azmi expressed her concerns about the state of democracy and the use of religion for political gain.

Azmi emphasized the need to protect the rights of ordinary citizens to express their voices through the democratic process every five years. She highlighted the significance of preserving democracy, stating that attacking democratic rights ultimately infringes on the rights of citizens.

When asked about the situation of the 200 million Muslims in India during the election, Azmi acknowledged that religion is often used as a tool for political and electoral gain. However, she also emphasized that being Muslim is just one aspect of her identity, alongside being a woman, Indian, actor, activist, mother, and daughter.

Azmi’s commitment to speaking out on issues she feels strongly about was evident in her work with slum dwellers in Mumbai and her advocacy for women’s rights. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about India’s future and takes pride in her country.

Azmi’s illustrious career in Bollywood has earned her numerous accolades, including being the only actor to win the national award for best actor five times. From her first release in 1974 to her notable performances in films like Arth, Khandhar, and Paa, Azmi has left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.