Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi meet Mamata Banerjee in Delhi
New Delhi/IBNS: Renowned lyricist-poet Javed Akhtar and his wife Shabana Azmi, who is a veteran actor, are the latest significant personalities to meet West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee during her five-day-visit to the national capital.
Interacting with media persons following the meeting, Akhtar said Banerjee doesn't want any leadership role for her in the united oppositions' front to combat the mighty Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2024 general elections.
"She believes that she wants a Parivartan (change). Earlier she fought for Bengal and now she wants to fight for a change in India," Akhtar said while addressing the media.
A delightful meeting between @MamataOfficial and #Bollywood power couple @Javedakhtarjadu and @AzmiShabana. pic.twitter.com/uLOBMFg843
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) July 29, 2021
Akhtar too feels there “should be a change” in the country and added that it is a “matter of shame” that Delhi witnessed communal riots.
“There are so many tensions in the country right now…There is the issue of polarization. Many give aggressive statements…There are incidents of violence,” the lyricist told the media.
He called the meeting with Banerjee as a 'courteous' one and said that he congratulated the Trinamool Congress supremo on her thumping victory in the West Bengal Assembly election.
Akhtar also said he is “grateful” to her for support in the Royalty bill amendment in order for music, composers, lyricists and songwriters benefitting from the royalty. “The artists and intellectuals of Bengal support Mamata ji,” he said.
On being asked about Banerjee's very popular slogan "Khela Hobe" and whether it will have an impact in the entire country, Akhtar said: "It does not need proof".
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