Mandana Karimi Stages Solo Protest For Iran In Mumbai; Slams Film Industry For A Lukewarm Response

Since Iran's morality police allegedly killed 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, several protests have been against the country's laws restricting women. Since the protests began two weeks ago, Iran's turbulent state has claimed the lives of 92 people.

Iran Protest | AFP

To draw attention to the women's rights movement in her native Iran, Iranian actor Mandana Karimi held a solitary protest on Saturday at Mumbai's iconic Bandstand.?

Mandana Karimi had expressed her support for the Iranian protesters by posting videos of herself cutting her hair and talking about the topic on Instagram.??

She posted a 17-minute long video of her solitary protest on Instagram Reels on Sunday.

Instagram

With a sign and a microphone in hand, Mandana went to the Bandra Bandstand and spoke to passersby for hours while describing Iran's current state of affairs.

At the beginning of the video, she stands by herself near a well-known landmark while holding a sign containing information about Iran's situation.?

She engages in conversation with onlookers and students who might have gathered there in the video.? The video's message reads:

"For Iran, for my mother’s tears, for my brother’s broken face and heart, for sleepless nights, for freedom for life."

In an interview with TOI, Mandana spoke about the motivation behind her protest, Mandana said,?

"On October 1, people worldwide organized a Pan Global Protest Day to stand in solidarity for Iran.? One hundred fifty cities worldwide stood in protest, but I couldn't find India on that list.? So, I decided to organize one in the city.? The responses I received from people were disappointing.? They ranged from 'I have to speak to my PR team' to 'we are just two of us, what can we do?', 'It's better to post online about what’s happening back home and give interviews'', 'I have family commitments, 'I don’t care, I don’t live in Iran anymore,' 'I will put a story for you— These were just some of the words that left me hollow and broken."

Mandana also added what motivated her to show up 'solo.'? She said,?

Iran Protest | AFP

"I was reminded of Mahsa Amini. She was alone as well.? She didn't know anyone in Tehran, and she was the reason for this movement.? Saturday was important to show our people back home in Iran that we are with you.? So, I went out alone, held Mahsa’s name, played Sherveen’s song, and explained to the few who gathered about the current situation in my country.? It was overwhelming, but I felt part of something bigger,"?

Mandana was born in Tehran and raised there. She relocated to India in 2010 to pursue a modeling career.?

Instagram

Mandana has starred in movies such as Roy, Bhaag Johnny, and Thar.? She became popular in India after her stints in reality shows Bigg Boss in 2015-16 and Lockk Up earlier this year.?

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