Shabana Azmi takes on anti-national allegations

In a shocking and irresponsible attempt to thrust the Hindu card down the nation’s throat, a man named Santosh Bharatiya has attributed the quote “India is not a good and great nation as the Muslims are not happy here,” to Shabana Azmi.

However, the fiercely honest actress-activist has denied having said anything of the sort. “These are pure lies being perpetrated in my name; a cut-and-paste job. I vehemently deny it. I have challenged the man who calls himself Santosh Bharatiya to prove it.”

In the midst of an atmosphere of growing intolerance, Azmi says of this attempt at maligning her reputation, “It shows the insecurity of a section that wants to discredit those who speak with a sane voice. They resort to lies and spread falsehood in a desperate attempt to frighten us into silence, to prevent us from being invested in public issues. I feel sorry for them.”

The response to Bharatiya’s comments on Shabana’s “limited perspective” has evoked a sharp retort from the actress. “The outrage generated by these lies strengthens the voice of sanity, and more people rally around us in sympathy. It’s a nail in the coffins of these liars.”