Shabana Azmi says students' relentless fight led to Delhi protest victory, calls their spirit inspiring: 'Zidd is necessary stepping stone to achievement'
ETimes | July 27, 2026 6:39 PM CST
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has hailed the students who led the recent protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, saying the outcome belonged entirely to them. Recovering from swine flu, the actor still attended the demonstration and witnessed the students' determination firsthand. Reflecting on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Azmi credited the young protesters for staying committed to their cause until they achieved their objective.
Speaking to Variety India, Shabana said the movement was driven solely by the perseverance of the students and praised their unwavering resolve. She said, "It is entirely the students' victory. Bachche log lage rahe (the kids were at it). They didn't give up until they achieved what they wanted. I love their passion and obstinacy. Zidd is a necessary stepping stone to achievement." Known for her long-standing involvement in social and political causes, the veteran actor said the students' determination was inspiring and reflected the power of collective action.
Shabana Azmi believes change takes time and patienceShabana also shared her broader perspective on social reform, describing herself as someone who remains hopeful despite the challenges that continue to exist.
She said, "I'm an optimist, and I always see the glass as half full. India is a country that lives in several centuries simultaneously and is full of contradictions. So, although a lot has improved, there is a lot more to be done. Abba (father Kaifi Azmi) had told me, 'When you are working for change, you need to build into that expectation the possibility that change might not occur within your lifetime, but if you carry on working sincerely and with dedication, change will happen even if it does so after you are gone'. That is my mantra for working towards change."
A long-term commitment to social changeFor Shabana, meaningful transformation is rarely immediate. She believes lasting change comes through persistence and dedication rather than expecting quick results. Emphasising the importance of sustained efforts, she said, "Transformation is a very slow process, and one must keep at it without expecting instant gratification."
Speaking to Variety India, Shabana said the movement was driven solely by the perseverance of the students and praised their unwavering resolve. She said, "It is entirely the students' victory. Bachche log lage rahe (the kids were at it). They didn't give up until they achieved what they wanted. I love their passion and obstinacy. Zidd is a necessary stepping stone to achievement." Known for her long-standing involvement in social and political causes, the veteran actor said the students' determination was inspiring and reflected the power of collective action.
Shabana Azmi believes change takes time and patienceShabana also shared her broader perspective on social reform, describing herself as someone who remains hopeful despite the challenges that continue to exist.
She said, "I'm an optimist, and I always see the glass as half full. India is a country that lives in several centuries simultaneously and is full of contradictions. So, although a lot has improved, there is a lot more to be done. Abba (father Kaifi Azmi) had told me, 'When you are working for change, you need to build into that expectation the possibility that change might not occur within your lifetime, but if you carry on working sincerely and with dedication, change will happen even if it does so after you are gone'. That is my mantra for working towards change."
A long-term commitment to social changeFor Shabana, meaningful transformation is rarely immediate. She believes lasting change comes through persistence and dedication rather than expecting quick results. Emphasising the importance of sustained efforts, she said, "Transformation is a very slow process, and one must keep at it without expecting instant gratification."
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