As wrestlers intensify protest, Naseeruddin Shah, Tovino Thomas, Ritika Singh extend solidarity with athletes

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tovino⚡️Thomas (@tovinothomas)

“When has the Hindi film industry ever rolled up its sleeves and tackled a subject which is crying out to be tackled? Will anyone make a film on these girl wrestlers who brought us medals…? Will anyone dare make a film? Because they are scared of the repercussions. It is nothing new that the Hindi film industry is keeping mum on important issues, they always have,” the actor told PTI in an interview.

Must read | Wrestlers’ Protest Latest Updates

Sharing a collage showing security personnel detaining wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat by using force, Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas wrote on Instagram, “They are the ones who uplifted our reputation in international sports arenas. They gave colours of success to the hopes of an entire nation! Keep aside their achievements and accolades, but there is a justice that each and every citizen of this nation deserves. They should not be deprived of that justice. They should not be defeated just because those standing on the opposite side are strong. They should be heard and their demands should be considered. Justice should not be delayed, never be denied! Jai Hind.”

Condemnations against the manhandling of peacefully protesting #SakshiMalik and other Wrestling Olympians and World Championship at the #WrestlersProtest against sexual harassment by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Wrestling Federation Chairman and BJP MP.

The champions who…

— pa.ranjith (@beemji) May 30, 2023

Renowned Tamil director Pa Ranjith also condemned the police action against the athletes. Ranjith tweeted, “Condemnations against the manhandling of peacefully protesting #SakshiMalik and other Wrestling Olympians and World Championship at the #WrestlersProtest against sexual harassment by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Wrestling Federation Chairman and BJP MP.”

“The champions who unfurled the India’s tricolour flag at world championship have been treated without any dignity and respect. It is a disgrace that the government has neither responded to the protest nor to their decision of the champions immersing their medals river water. In solidarity with #WrestlersProtest, I demand the immediate removal of Singh from his post as Chairman of WFI and MP and lawful action against Singh,” he added.

Asserting that it was sad and shameful to see the ways in which the wrestlers and their supporters were being treated, Ritika Singh, who played the lead role in the 2016 sports drama film Irudhi Suttru, noted, “I cannot even imagine how they must be feeling right now. To be denied of their respect and dignity in front of the whole world! To be treated so inhumane! We should support the ones who make such a big effort to represent our country and our values abroad. We should be behind them as they are behind India, wearing India on their sleeves.”

“Shutting down voices like this only leads to misunderstandings and doesn’t allow us to come together as one. I truly hope this gets resolved soon. This is heartbreaking,” she added.

Why do people edit photos like this to prove their lies ! Kisi ko Galat thehrane k Liye itna nahi girna chahiye k jhoot ka sahara liya jaaye pic.twitter.com/PVS7b1bJtT

— Uorfi (@uorfi_) May 28, 2023

“Our championship who made us proud is fighting for justice. They have been treated without any dignity n respect. #Shame Strong action has to be taken imm. We always stand with you champions,” Tamil actor Kalaiyarasan tweeted.

Malayalam director Anjali Menon too had recently extended solidarity with the protesting athletes. “The measure of a society lies in how it treats its women. It is heartbreaking to see the country’s top wrestlers being subjected to such humiliation. Each of these women have attained glory after great struggle and deserve the justice they seek. Great to see Olympic Gold winner Abhinav Bindra stand by them and say – It’s high time we establish independent safeguarding measures across sporting organizations. We must ensure that if such situations arise, they are dealt with utmost sensitivity and respect. Every athlete deserves a safe and empowering environment. Hope it inspires the many sporting heroes we have worshipped as a country, to come forward and use their privilege to help their cause,” she wrote on Instagram.

Sharing a collage showing the morphed image of wrestlers that recently went viral and its original version, Uorfi Javed wrote on Twitter: “Why do people edit photos like this to prove their lies! Kisi ko Galat thehrane k Liye itna nahi girna chahiye k jhoot ka sahara liya jaaye.”

Meanwhile, IB71 star Vidyut Jammwal also addressed the issue. During a press conference organised as part of the film’s promotion, Jammwal said, “This is an important question. They are our athletes and troubled but first, they are the citizens of the country. They should be given the required help. I think the authorities are listening to them but what next? What are they doing about their concerns? I am an athlete and I have a feeling they would listen to them and things will change now. They’ll do what’s right.”