Shabana Azmi has tested positive for H1N1 and swine flu, running a 102-degree fever, and will isolate for five days. Despite missing the protests, she remains in touch with on-ground updates and expressed solidarity via a post featuring her father Kaifi Azmi’s poem. She was earlier an active presence at the demonstrations before falling ill.

Veteran actress and activist Shabana Azmi, known for both her films and her outspoken activism, has tested positive for H1N1 and will now stay in isolation for the next five days on doctors’ advice. This comes at a time when Azmi had been actively showing up at the student protests, standing with demonstrators and using social media to share their demands for education reforms. Though her illness has kept her away from the ground, Azmi made it clear that nothing has changed about where she stands — she says her support for the students and protestors remains just as strong.

Shabana Azmi keeps tabs on protest from isolation

In a post shared from the protest on her social media, the actress noted that while she was unable to make it to the gathering, she’s been kept in the loop with first-hand updates from young people at the scene.Sharing a motivational poem written by her legendary poet father Kaifi Azmi, she 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.“

Shabana Azmi’s team confirms 102-degree fever

As per her team, the actress, who has tested positive for swine flu, is currently battling a high fever of 102 degrees. A statement issued by her team on Thursday read, “Shabana ji was meant to go to the protest today but she has contracted swine flu with 102 fever and has been advised rest by the doctor.”

Shabana Azmi’s earlier protest involvement

Prior to this, the actress had been an active presence at the protests, keeping followers updated through her social media handles. At one of the gatherings, she’d also taken ill and had to be rushed to an emergency medical centre.