In New Delhi, in the Shaheen Bagh district, the challenge against the "Citizenship Amendment Act", the citizenship law, is not weakening. For the past month and a half, mostly Muslim women have been denouncing this new law which aims to regularize refugees who have fled, for religious reasons, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, provided they are not Muslims.

Swara Bhaskar, a young rising actress from the famous Indian film industry known as "Bollywood", has already come to Shaheen Bagh twice to support the demonstrators. "As an artist but also as a citizen who really cares about the constitution, I don't see how I could be silent at such a moment!", Confides the actress to France 24.

Fear of reprisals

This support is very much appreciated by the demonstrators who have felt rather isolated until now. Since the start of this historic protest movement, Bollywood stars have generally remained behind.

This silence can partly be explained by the fear of reprisals. The few who joined were criticized by members of the BJP, the party of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and some politicians did not hesitate to call for a boycott of their films.

"Talking has cost me dearly. I have lost several roles and contracts with brands. I am no longer invited to certain events but it does not matter. This is life. It happens," continues Swara Bhaskar .

A new generation of committed actresses

Despite these consequences, several celebrities have started to show their support for the demonstrators in recent weeks, a turning point triggered by a young generation of actors, but especially actresses. Like Swara Bhaskar, Richa Chadha, a big bollywood star and committed figure in social networks, joined the cause.

“Why don't Indian actors express themselves like Robert de Niro or Jane Fonda? Unlike Western countries, I don't think we have a truly independent judiciary. And we don't have an actor or producer union to defend us when someone is being harassed, "says Richa Chadha.

In total, nearly 300 Bollywood celebrities have already shown their support for the protesters by signing a petition against the citizenship law.

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