New Delhi: Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has been diagnosed with swine flu and is currently under medical supervision after developing a high fever. The illness forced her to miss Friday’s student protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, where she was expected to join demonstrators after spending the past few days supporting their movement in Delhi.
According to a statement issued by her team, Shabana is running a 102-degree fever and has been advised complete bed rest by doctors. She has also been asked to remain in isolation for five days.
“Shabana ji was meant to go to the protest today, but she has contracted swine flu with 102 fever and has been advised rest by the doctor,” her team said, confirming that the actor is recovering while following medical advice.
Before falling ill, Shabana had spent three days at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, expressing solidarity with students protesting against alleged examination irregularities. Along with participating in the demonstrations, she regularly shared updates from the protest site through her social media accounts.
On July 20, the actor joined the Chalo Sansad protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in support of students demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak and other examination-related issues.
The CJP-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has continued for nearly a month, with activist Sonam Wangchuk and several students joining the movement. Wangchuk had also observed a hunger strike in solidarity with the protesters.
The demonstrators are seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and other examination irregularities, while demanding broader reforms to the education system. The movement has since spread to several parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike early on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that those accused in the alleged NEET paper leak had been arrested and that the government was setting up fast-track courts to expedite the case. The Congress is also scheduled to hold a protest in central Delhi over the issue and the police action against student demonstrators.
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Sangeeta Das works as Chief Sub Editor in the lifestyle section of News9 Live. Additionally, she contributes to health and entertainment section when required. With a flair for storytelling and an eye for detail, she brings beauty, travel, and mindful living to life through her words. She has 10 years plus experience, including editing in Newsdesk, both print and online media, field reporting and taking interviews of eminent personalities like Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (former health minister) and former Union minister like Sriprakash Jaiswal. Beyond professional commitments, she loves travelling, writing poetry and fiction. Many of her creative works have been published in reputed newspapers like The Assam Tribune. She loves to keep herself fit and healthy.