Shabana Azmi down with Swine Flu after participating in student protest

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi said she has tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu) and has been advised complete bed rest after developing a high fever. In an Instagram post on Saturday, she said she would remain in isolation for the next five days. The 75-year-old also used the message to express solidarity with protesters she had recently joined during the Chalo Sansad march in Delhi.

Azmi was among the first prominent voices from the film industry to publicly back the ongoing protests led by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over exam irregularities at Jantar Mantar. She had joined protesting students and other citizens marching towards Parliament. Videos of her participation were widely shared on social media.

Her support



for the agitation continued even after she fell ill, with the actor saying she remained inspired by the courage and commitment of the young people taking part.

Sharing her health update on Instagram, Azmi wrote, “My dear Mumbaikars, I was meant to join your protest yesterday, but I’ve come down with H1N1 and need to remain in isolation for the next five days. Even so, I want to express my solidarity and appreciation."

"I’m receiving first-hand reports from the young people on the ground, many of them have taken part in a protest for the first time and have experienced how much their voice counts. I continue to be inspired by your courage and commitment and stand by you in solidarity,” she added.