Former Rajya Sabha MP and veteran star Shabana Azmi does not mince words and she often takes a stand for the issues that interest her. The 71-year-old actress called out Kangana Ranaut for her controversial statements on the ongoing Hijab row in India.
The recent reply comes after Kangana Ranaut on Thursday night took to Instagram and shared her reaction to the ongoing controversy that erupted after the Karnataka government on February 5 issued an order mandating a dress code in all schools and
colleges with a ban on clothes that "disturb equality, integrity and public law and order".
Students from Government Girls PU college in the Udupi district were allegedly denied entry for wearing Hijab, a head covering worn by Muslim women.
Rendering support to the government's decision the 'Queen' actor shared a post by author Anand Ranganathan and wrote, "If you want to show courage, show it by not wearing burqa in Afghanistan. Learn to break free, not cage yourself."
Sharing Kangana's post on her official Twitter handle, Shabana questioned, "Correct me if I'm wrong but Afghanistan is a theocratic state and when I last checked India was a secular democratic republic ?!!"
Netizens stood in support of the veteran actor while she compared Afghanistan and India’s governance.
A user pointed out, “Not only the largest democracy (on papers) but also the LARGEST DIVERSITY!” Another questioned Kangana saying, “Maam with all due respect… what makes you think women who wear hijab or burqa are caged. You have your views i respect that but plz respect people who cover themselves that by no mean means they are oppressed . How is courage shown by not wearing hijaab?”
Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that, but at the same time, I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of `MANLINESS`. What a pity."
Previously, actor turned politician, Hema Malini had reacted to the controversy and told ANI, "Schools are for education and religious matters should not be taken there. Every school has a uniform that should be respected. You can wear whatever you want outside the school."
Image Source:Instagram/ShabanaAzmi/kanganaranaut