This Article is From Nov 01, 2015

Shabana Azmi: Returning Awards is a Symbolic Gesture

Shabana Azmi: Returning Awards is a Symbolic Gesture

Shabana Azmi photographed at an event in Mumbai.

Mumbai: Veteran actress Shabana Azmi said that the decision of several artistes and filmmakers to return their awards to protest against a culture of intolerance is a symbolic gesture that will draw attention.

Ms Azmi tweeted:



Last week, prominent writers such as Ganesh Vispute, Sambhajai Bhaga, Harishchandra Thorat, Pradnya Pawar, Milind Malshe, Yeshu Patil, Vasant Patankar, Urmila Pawar and Mukund Kale returned their various state honours, joining their counterparts across the country.

A group of 10 filmmakers, including Dibakar Banerjee and Anand Patwardhan, announced on October 29 that they would return their national awards to protest against the "threat to diversity and freedom of speech."(Also Read: 10 Filmmakers Return National Awards, Say 'Disenchanted With What's Happening in Country')
.