Shabana Azmi reveals tear gas triggered asthma attack during CJP protest: 'I am an asthmatic and got an attack because of the tear gas'
ETimes | July 22, 2026 7:39 PM CST
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has spoken about a health scare she experienced while participating in the Cockroach Janata Party 's (CJP) 'Chalo Sansad' protest in Delhi. The 75-year-old actor revealed that exposure to tear gas triggered an asthma attack during the demonstration, but she recovered with her inhaler and continued to stand in solidarity with the protesting students.
Speaking to The Indian Express in an interview with Subhash K Jha, Shabana recalled the incident that unfolded during Monday's protest march at Jantar Mantar. The actor shared that she briefly had to leave the protest after suffering an asthma attack caused by tear gas. However, once she regained her breath, she returned to interact with students who had been injured during the police action.
“I am an asthmatic and got an attack because of the tear gas, but I had my pump with me so I am ok now. I was respectfully escorted to a nearby building and after catching my breath, I went right back and spoke to the students who had been lathicharged. Their spirit is unprecedented. My salaams to all of them.”
Shabana clarified that her participation was driven by concern for students and not by political affiliations. She stressed that she has never been associated with any political party and believes remaining independent allows her to speak freely.
“I have never belonged to a political party and never will. I believe that puts the fetters on you as the party’s truth becomes your truth. I came to Jantar Mantar in solidarity with the students who have been on a hunger strike for over 20 days and whose health is now failing. What they are demanding is not sinister or evil. Students are asking for educational reforms to safeguard their future and an overhaul of the education system. Demanding that an allocation of 6 percent of the GDP for education is urgently required. Listen to them, give them an ear, and give them hope. Unka hausla badhaiye isse crush karne ki koshish mat kijiye (boost their hope, don’t crush it).”
Shabana Azmi reveals Javed Akhtar sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra ModiThe veteran actor also disclosed that she and her husband, lyricist Javed Akhtar, had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi before joining the protest. According to the actress, the letter urged the Prime Minister to "initiate a dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk." She said the couple waited for a response before deciding to participate in the demonstration.
Shabana Azmi responds to questions about Bollywood's absenceShabana was among the few members of the film industry who joined the CJP-led march in Delhi. She later shared photos and videos from the protest on social media, where she was seen travelling in a truck and walking alongside demonstrators after crossing barricades. While speaking to PTI during the march, the actor questioned why the focus remained on the absence of Bollywood personalities instead of the issues being raised by the protesters.
"You are only worried about the fact that Bollywood celebrities are not present at the March. You don’t worry about the absence of industrialists, all the businessmen. When you ask these questions, you are sidelining the cause and creating unnecessary controversy. You should support those who are marching for this cause, rather than diluting the matter."
Protest continues at Jantar Mantar
The Cockroach Janata Party has been staging protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for accountability over alleged examination irregularities, along with sweeping education reforms. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has also been leading the movement and continues his indefinite hunger strike in support of the demands.
Speaking to The Indian Express in an interview with Subhash K Jha, Shabana recalled the incident that unfolded during Monday's protest march at Jantar Mantar. The actor shared that she briefly had to leave the protest after suffering an asthma attack caused by tear gas. However, once she regained her breath, she returned to interact with students who had been injured during the police action.
“I am an asthmatic and got an attack because of the tear gas, but I had my pump with me so I am ok now. I was respectfully escorted to a nearby building and after catching my breath, I went right back and spoke to the students who had been lathicharged. Their spirit is unprecedented. My salaams to all of them.”
Shabana clarified that her participation was driven by concern for students and not by political affiliations. She stressed that she has never been associated with any political party and believes remaining independent allows her to speak freely.
“I have never belonged to a political party and never will. I believe that puts the fetters on you as the party’s truth becomes your truth. I came to Jantar Mantar in solidarity with the students who have been on a hunger strike for over 20 days and whose health is now failing. What they are demanding is not sinister or evil. Students are asking for educational reforms to safeguard their future and an overhaul of the education system. Demanding that an allocation of 6 percent of the GDP for education is urgently required. Listen to them, give them an ear, and give them hope. Unka hausla badhaiye isse crush karne ki koshish mat kijiye (boost their hope, don’t crush it).”
Shabana Azmi reveals Javed Akhtar sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra ModiThe veteran actor also disclosed that she and her husband, lyricist Javed Akhtar, had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi before joining the protest. According to the actress, the letter urged the Prime Minister to "initiate a dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk." She said the couple waited for a response before deciding to participate in the demonstration.
Shabana Azmi responds to questions about Bollywood's absenceShabana was among the few members of the film industry who joined the CJP-led march in Delhi. She later shared photos and videos from the protest on social media, where she was seen travelling in a truck and walking alongside demonstrators after crossing barricades. While speaking to PTI during the march, the actor questioned why the focus remained on the absence of Bollywood personalities instead of the issues being raised by the protesters.
"You are only worried about the fact that Bollywood celebrities are not present at the March. You don’t worry about the absence of industrialists, all the businessmen. When you ask these questions, you are sidelining the cause and creating unnecessary controversy. You should support those who are marching for this cause, rather than diluting the matter."
Protest continues at Jantar Mantar
The Cockroach Janata Party has been staging protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since June 6, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and calling for accountability over alleged examination irregularities, along with sweeping education reforms. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has also been leading the movement and continues his indefinite hunger strike in support of the demands.
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