Shabana Azmi stoking communal passions

M. Gautham Machaiah

Actress and social activist Shabana Azmi recently claimed in a television interview that she and her husband Javed Akhtar could not buy a flat in Mumbai because they were Muslim.

Shabana then went on to say that Indian democracy lacks the understanding of security for minorities while Indian politics makes only token gestures to Muslims.

Shabana’s statements deserve the strongest of condemnation as they attempt to drive a wedge between Hindus and Muslims. Such self-styled social activists thrive by encouraging animosity between the two communities, because the absence of hostility will render them jobless. They would rather fan the fire, than douse it.

First, the issue about Shabana’s house. What the actress forgets to mention is that it is common in Mumbai for different communities to form a housing society to cater to their members. Besides bonding the members of the community, this arrangement also gives them a sense of security.

Such societies have been formed by almost all communities, be it Hindus, Muslims or Parsis. In the same way that Shabana could not purchase a house in a Hindu society, a Hindu or Parsi will not be allowed to own a house in a Muslim society.

Shabana was denied a house not because she was a Muslim, but because she was not a Hindu. Similarly, she will not be allowed to take up a house in a Christian society. Again, not because she is a Muslim, but because she is not a Christian.

It is unfortunate that a person of Shabana’s stature stoops to distorting facts for the sake of cheap publicity.

Now to the second point raised by the actress. Shabana says Indian democracy is not sensitive to Muslims. Nothing can be farther from truth than this. The quality of life led by Muslims and the opportunities available to them in India are much higher than in neighbouring Pakistan.

Shabana should remember that this democracy has paved way for Muslims to hold the highest office in the country, that of the President of India. Muslims have risen to the posts of Vice President of India, Chief Justice, Governor and Vice-chancellor. Muslims have captained the Indian cricket team…they lord over Bollywood…they run business chains…The list is endless. Yet, Shabana Azmi would have us believe that the community is persecuted.

It has become a fashion today to assail Indian democracy and the majority community. If people like Shabana Azmi are unhappy, they are free to migrate to Pakistan. India has nothing to lose. At least, Hindus and Muslims will live in peace.

(Pictures sourced from: http://www.nilacharal.com/enter/celeb/images/ShabanaAzmi.jpg)

COMMENTS

I completely agree with what you have mentioned in the article. In this country, whether one likes it or not you are identified by a caste, community and religion. But that does not mean you to play on people’s sentiments.I have great respect for Shabana Azmi for her acting capabilities and her frequent outbursts on social issues. But the current controversy has exposed her. Probably she would not have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha had she not been a Muslim. Being a beneficiary herself it is strange that she makes derogatory remarks on Indian democracy.Let her think twice before making such nasty comments.
-Manohar Yadawatti, Bangalore

It is indeed shocking that a person of Shabana Azmi's stature who has got in return so much from the Indian society than she has contributed to it speaks in this fashion. Having received awards like the Gandhi Peace Prize, Rajiv Gandhi Award and many more accolades from the society, Shabana should think twice before shooting her mouth off. It would be appropriate for a literate (I am not sure if I can use the word educated) person like her to leave cheap publicity stunts behind and work together with the society to remove these feelings of majority/ minority. Most Indians do not think and act on the basis of religion and as such she should not generalise the people of a vibrant city like Mumbai.
-Vijay Grover, Bangalore

Correct me if I am wrong. I think India sends more people for Haj than most Muslim nations. And the cost, if not all of it, is underwritten by the Government of India. We are a secular country and will always be one. Shabana is starting to get the foot-in-the-mouth disease.
-Cherian Thomas, Dubai

I totally agree with what you have written. I have experienced it myself when I was house hunting in Bandra. I did not get a place there because I was not a Christian. It happens with every person irrespective of whether he/ she is a Hindu, Muslim or Christian. Public figures like Shabana Azmi should not make such a big deal out of it for the sake of publicity.
-Shruthi M. Rao, Mumbai

I agree with your write up. It is very unfortunate that a veteran actor like Shabana Azmi has made such a statement. It is common in any society for people to rent out or sell their houses to members of their own community. There are also several instances where vegetarians refuse to rent their houses to non- vegetarians. This is done only for mutual convenience and not to target any community.One should not forget that Mumbai is a social melting pot of people from different religions, regions and cultures. For years, people of all communities have been living together harmoniously on the footpaths and slums across the city which never sleeps.It is also very sad that she made very negative comments about Indian democracy of which she has been important part, as a Member of the Rajya Sabha. Such comments to gain cheap publicity should be condemned universally.
-Siddu, Bangalore

Read the stuff … shocking! Guess she has run out of roles in movies. Besides, her political career is not taking off as envisaged. It is for this reason that she is indulging in gimmicks. It is sad that these kind of people fuel unnecessary issues.-
-Manna Mandanna, Bangalore

Nice one! Completely agree with your views!
-Sindhu M.C., New Jersey

Quite a strong blog!
-Varsha Gowda, Bangalore

The very fact that Shabana has voiced her opinion shows the true character of our democracy- the freedom of speech.Sadly, celebrities like her who make such comments, fail to realise this. Azmi, at least in the public sphere came across as liberal in views and actions. This revelation is indeed shocking. It has become a defence mechanism to flaunt the 'minority' tag. A trend which is now permeating into the elite circles too, to gain sympathy and publicity.
-Deepti Ganapathy, Mysore

Aaahh... these film stars! They always find a nice way to attract attention. Must say... Shabana Azmi's seems to be the best one in the recent past.
-Surabhi Shastry, Mumbai