The ongoing hijab controversy which started from Karnataka has become a topic of debate throughout the country. Several media personalities, political figures and activists have shared their views on the matter. Actress Kangana Ranaut also shared an Instagram story in which she termed the ongoing protests and demonstrations as a case of misguided courage.

Kangana had written, "If you want to show courage, show it by not wearing burqa in Afghanistan. Learn to break free, not cage yourself." However, she was soon called out by Shabana Azmi who pointed out a fundamental flaw in Kangana's logic. Azmi shared a screenshot of Kangana's story on her Instagram post and wrote, "Correct me if I'm wrong but Afghanistan is a theocratic state and when I last checked India was a secular democratic republic?!!"

Shabana's husband Javed Akhtar also shared his take on the matter and criticised people who harrassed some girls in the name of this protest. He tweeted, "I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that, but at the same time, I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of 'MANLINESS'. What a pity."

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A post shared by Shabana Azmi (@azmishabana18)

I have never been in favour of Hijab or Burqa. I still stand by that but at the same time I have nothing but deep contempt for these mobs of hooligans who are trying to intimidate a small group of girls and that too unsuccessfully. Is this their idea of “MANLINESS” . What a pity

— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) February 10, 2022