Bollywood star Deepika Padukone on Tuesday visited the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to express solidarity with the students who were attacked by a mob, but she did not address the crowd.
The actor reached the university campus at around 7.40 pm and attended a public meeting, called by JNU Teacher's Association and JNUSU in response to Sunday's attack on students and teachers by a masked mob armed with sticks and rods.
Deepika was seen standing by JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh, who was hit on the head in the violence reported on JNU campus on Sunday night. Deepika stood as former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was raising azaadi slogans and left by the time current president Aishe Ghosh started speaking.
#ISupportDeepika Indians DESERVE more role models like @deepikapadukone who stood by in solidarity with the students knowing full well what would happen. She was mature enough to not take away the limelight. She heard the slogans with sincerity in her eyes. #DeepikaPadukone pic.twitter.com/7Qmq5ULgSG
— A-man \(^o^\) (@LegacyofAshes) January 7, 2020
The actor's decision to not address the crowd prompted Ghosh to comment, "when you are in a position, you should speak up".
"There are many people in Bollywood who do not put forth their views when they are not be aired. They are considered role models. I appeal to them: Make inspiring films after something has happened but when you are in that position, also talk about the story that is currently happening," she said.
Later, Ghosh told PTI that Deepika expressed solidarity with the JNU students.
This is how Deepika Padukone met Aishe Ghosh pic.twitter.com/EGApc3IrgE
— Stuti (@StuteeMishra) January 7, 2020
Actress Ms @deepikapadukone at #JNU pic.twitter.com/dQxGYcg4J0
— Supriya Bhardwaj (@Supriya23bh) January 7, 2020
. @deepikapadukone reached #JNU and met JNUSU President #AisheGhosh #JNUattack @JNUSUofficial pic.twitter.com/lWXPv6bWi0
— Saurabh Trivedi (@saurabh3vedi) January 7, 2020
Let’s not forget she is also the producer of the films .. stakes are even higher . Mad respect for @deepikapadukone https://t.co/y5CPzSEedU
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) January 7, 2020
Deepika is in the capital to promote her upcoming release, Meghna Gulzar-directed Chhapaak.
On Monday, the 34-year-old actor told a news channel that she feels proud that people have come out and raised their voice without fear, in reference to the protests against the amended Citizenship Act, the National Register of Citizens and violence in JNU.
"I feel proud to see that we aren't scared to express ourselves... I think the fact that we are thinking about the country and its future.... Whatever may be our point of view, it's nice to see," Deepika told NDTV India.
Thanks for standing with students fraternity. More power to you & respect "#DeepikaPadukone pic.twitter.com/FDYrcK98aJ
— Shams Tabrez (@ShamsTa82814774) January 8, 2020
"I feel proud about it that people are coming out -- be it on the streets or wherever they are -- they are raising their voice and expressing themselves as it is important. If we want to see change in life and society, it is important that a point of view be put forward," she added.
"What I wanted to say I said it two years ago when Padmaavat was released. What I am seeing today, it pains me. I hope it doesn’t become the new normal. That anyone can say anything and they can get away with it. I fear and I'm sad. This is not the foundation of our country," she reportedly told AajTak.