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The Print
a day ago
- Politics
- The Print
How Saba Azad became the accidental voice of Bengal's language protests
The internet doesn't forget. Old clips are dug out to fight new narrative wars, and good art is pulled back into relevance to counter bad politics. Poetry becomes protest, prose and songs turn into battle cries as art takes on new meanings. Bengalis are hurt over a statement by the Delhi police calling Bangla a 'Bangladeshi language' and the lines Azad sang have unwittingly become protest music in Kolkata now. Actor Saba Azad had no way of knowing that a 2022 clip of her singing a few lines from the hit song from the 1969 Satyajit Ray film Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne would give voice to hurt Bengali sentiment in 2025. Bengali, Bangladeshi, Azad(i) A letter from Delhi Police dated 24 July to the Banga Bhawan guest house in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri area, referred to Bangla as 'Bangladeshi language' and triggered a major political row. The letter was written by Inspector Amit Dutt from Lodhi Colony Police Station to the officer-in-charge of Banga Bhawan, requesting a translator to decipher documents seized from suspected Bangladeshi nationals. The letter said that the police needed an interpreter 'proficient in Bangladeshi national language' to translate documents for a case involving eight persons 'strongly suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India'. A major political row broke out between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with the latter calling it a 'deliberate attempt to strip a constitutionally recognised Indian language of its identity and demanding an apology'. The BJP hit back, accusing the TMC of shielding illegal Bangladeshi settlers. But outside the political arena, the controversy united otherwise argumentative Bengalis to fight for their mother tongue and take to social media to express their ire. Sharing a copy of the letter on his Facebook, popular Bengali filmmaker Srijit Mukerji wrote: 'That's not Bangladeshi language, morons, that's Bangla or Bengali, the same language in which your national anthem was originally written and one of the 22 official languages of India.' Academic Ajay Chakrabarti wrote that there is no such language called 'Bangladeshi language'. 'All Bengalees speak Bangla. The Bangladeshis also speak Bangla. Of course, there are several dialects,' Chakrabarti posted on Facebook. Even as the outrage showed no signs of abating, a 2022 clip of actor Saba Azad crooning some lines from the famous song Maharaja Tomare Selam resurfaced on social media. Crudely translated, the lines mean: 'Your majesty, salutations, salutations, salutations/ From Bangladesh we have come / We are simple, down to earth and travel various nations / Your majesty, your highness / Except ours, we have no other elocution'. Also read: One Bengali film a day in Bengal's theatres. 'Step against arm-twisting Mumbai companies' Old notes, new meanings It's been three years since Saba Azad sang these lines and 56 years since Satyajit Ray composed the song and playback singer Anup Ghoshal sang it. Recalling scenes from Ray's funeral procession on 24 April 1992, actor Soumitra Chatterjee had said: 'I remember a few young men suddenly started shouting a slogan. Initially, I couldn't make out what they were saying, but then it was loud and clear: 'Maharaja tomareselam!' This can only happen in Calcutta, in appreciation of a great artiste.' Even in 2022, when Saba Azad posted the cover, it hadn't gone unnoticed. In an article headlined 'Hrithik Roshan's rumoured GF Saba Azad sings 'Maharaja Tomare Selam', The Telegraph wrote how her cover got love online. 'Actor-director Konkona Sen Sharma too reacted to the post, appreciating Saba's Bengali pronunciation,' the article reported. But now, with a raging controversy over the Delhi police's use of 'Bangladeshi language' for Bangla, Azad's clip has found a life of its own. Entertainment journalist Anindita Mukerjee told ThePrint that not just in West Bengal but from Maharashtra to Karnataka, the language war has divided people across the country. 'It is at such times when the shrill of heated arguments almost deafens us that Saba's clip brings peace to the ears. She is so effortlessly sincere in her singing, so comfortable with a tongue that's not hers,' Mukherjee told ThePrint. Azad's 2022 clip has also found fans across the border in Bangladesh, where they are both amused and angry at the controversy. 'What your police said only goes on to prove how Bangladeshis are looked at in India. Not only are we targeted by the locals and the law in India, even our language, which we share with Bengalis of West Bengal, is now a foreign tongue in India,' Bangladesh Nationalist Party youth leader Sheikh Eklas Audy told ThePrint. Bangladeshi actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila, who had shared Azad's clip on her Facebook story recently, said there is no language called the Bangladeshi language, and Azad has sung beautifully. Not everyone on this side of the border is blaming the Delhi police. Musician and podcaster, Neerajan Saha, said that in the Bangladeshi version of the Bengali language, many Bangla words have been replaced over the years with Arabic and Farsi words and the process is happening in full steam. 'Satyajit Ray never replaced Bengali words with words from foreign languages in his songs or films. Given the attack on the minority Hindu population in Bangladesh today, the concerted attempt to make Bangladesh Hindu-free, the debate over language on this side of the border is laughably irrelevant,' Saha said. The anger in West Bengal over the Delhi police's seemingly unwitting mistake of referring to Bangla as the Bangladeshi language has not lessened. Social media feeds are filled with vitriol against this attack on Bangla. This language is the reason why East Pakistan became Bangladesh in 1971, and a majority of people in West Bengal hold it very close to their hearts. At such polarising times, Saba Azad's 2022 cover of Maharaja Tomare Selam has become both a song of solace and rage. Deep Halder is an author and journalist. He tweets @deepscribble. Views are personal. (Edited by Theres Sudeep)
Pink Villa
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
How Saba Azad met Hrithik Roshan? Here's all about their love story that began on social media, her earnings and more
Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad are one of the most popular couples in B-town who often grab headlines for their romance. The lovebirds recently went out on a movie date after the wrap of the War 2 shoot. But do you know how Saba came into Hrithik's life? Here's all you need to know about their first meeting, her earnings, and more. Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad's love story According to reports, Saba Azad met Hrithik Roshan through social media. According to a report by The Times of India, the War 2 actor once liked and shared Saba's video, praising the makers on X (formerly Twitter). Saba expressed gratitude, and their conversation began on direct messages. Hrithik and Saba often shower love on each other on their respective social media handles. From birthday posts to vacation pictures, they post it all. They are often spotted together in public on lunch dates and movie nights. She also accompanies him to his movie screenings. Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad have been dating for nearly four years. The couple completed three years of their relationship in October 2024. They made their relationship official at Karan Johar 's 50th birthday bash in 2022 after rumours of their dating spread like wildfire. Hrithik Roshan has also introduced his girlfriend, Saba Azad, to his family. Saba often spends time with Hrithik's family members. They are seen together in family gatherings during festivals and birthdays. Who is Saba Azad and how much she earns? Born as Saba Singh Grewal, Saba Azad is a theatre actress, director, voice-over artist, and musician. She made her Bollywood debut in a lead role in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011) alongside Saqib Saleem. Saba has also worked in web series like Ladies Room, Rocket Boys, and Who's Your Gynac. Saba Azad is also a member of her electronic band, Madboy/Mink, along with actor Imaad Shah, the son of veterans Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah. As for her earnings, Saba's annual income ranges between Rs 5 crore and Rs 8 crore. She primarily earns her income from acting, band performances, and brand endorsements. Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad's work fronts Hrithik Roshan is gearing up for his highly anticipated film, War 2, alongside Jr. NTR and Kiara Advani. On the other hand, Saba will be seen in Anurag Kashyap's untitled film, starring Bobby Deol. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla.
India Today
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Hrithik Roshan enjoys movie date with Saba Azad as War 2 shoot comes to an end
Actor Hrithik Roshan was clicked after a movie date with his girlfriend Saba Azad on Tuesday night. The two were seen leaving a cinema hall, catching the attention of fans and media a video clip shared by a paparazzo account, the couple can be seen casually exiting the cinema hall in Mumbai's Juhu. The actor opted for a relaxed look, wearing olive green track pants, a matching t-shirt, and a sweatshirt. Complementing his outfit, he donned a matching cap. His girlfriend accompanied him in an oversized white t-shirt paired with wide-legged couple, maintaining a low profile, did not stop for the paparazzi as they headed towards their car, sparking further intrigue. The outing arrived just as the actor announced the completion of filming for his upcoming movie 'War 2'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manav Manglani (@ Earlier on Tuesday, the 51-year-old shared his sentiments about finishing the shoot for 'War 2' on X, expressing, "Feeling a mixed bag of emotions as the cameras stopped rolling for #War2. 149 days of relentless chase, action, dance, blood, sweat, injuries, and it was all worth it! @tarak9999 sir it has been an honor to work alongside you and create something so special together...(sic)."The actor conveyed his anticipation for audiences to see the "incredible cinematic vision of Adi and Ayan", referring to director Ayan Mukerji and producer Aditya Chopra. His co-stars, Jr NTR and Kiara Advani, join him in this high-octane sequel set for release on August 14, 2025.'War', released in 2019, was a major box office success with Roshan's character, Kabir, becoming a fan favourite. The sequel promises a more intense portrayal of Kabir, described as darker and by Ayan Mukerji, 'War 2' is produced by Yash Raj Films, promising an action-packed cinematic experience.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Hrithik Roshan#Saba Azad
NDTV
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Why Hrithik Roshan's Loving Reaction To Girlfriend Saba Azad's Latest Picture Is All Heart
New Delhi: Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad's relationship reveal was one of the most unexpected revelations ever. It started with the two being clicked out and about in the city, and eventually, they made it Instagram official in October 2022, when Hrithik shared a picture on his Instagram with Saba. Earlier today, Saba shared a series of pictures on social media featuring a gorgeous sun-kissed selfie. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saba Azad (@sabazad) She captioned it, "Good morrow early risers... I'm fairly new to your world but I like it so very much." Hrithik Roshan being the perfect green flag, instantly reacted to the picture with a red heart emoji. Previously too, Hrithik has commented on several posts of Saba, expressing his love and admiration for all that she is. While the two mostly keep their relationship lowkey, they do not shy away from a little online PDA now and then. The two have also shared several pictures on their official social media accounts, from holidays and family celebrations. For the unversed, Saba Azad is a multi-talented artist, actress, theatre director, and musician, and clearly has many talents to be credited for. She's also part of the electro-funk duo Madboy/Mink and her latest releases include Rocket Boys, Ladies Room, and Who's Your Gynac.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hrithik Roshan can't help but swoon over girlfriend Saba Azad's gorgeous selfie - check out his romantic reaction!
and have never been shy about publicly expressing their love. Recently, Saba posted a radiant sunlit selfie, and Hrithik wasted no time in showing his admiration. He liked the post and dropped a heart emoji in the comments, leaving fans swooning over their sweet exchange. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Check out the post here: Saba Azad posted a stunning sun-kissed selfie on Instagram with the caption, "Good morrow early risers… I'm fairly new to your world but I like it so very much." Hrithik Roshan, always supportive, showed his love by leaving a heart emoji in the comments, making fans gush over their sweet interaction. A Relationship Built Over Time Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad have been together for over two years, often spotted at various events — from birthdays and weddings to family gatherings and vacations, showcasing their strong bond. How Their Romance Began Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad's romance reportedly began in 2022 after they connected on Twitter. Hrithik liked and shared a video of Saba with a rapper, leading to a thank-you message from her. This exchange is said to have sparked their first conversation and blossomed into a deeper connection. A Glimpse Into Their Private Lives While Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad keep their relationship private, they've made a few public appearances together, including at The Archies premiere. Their social media profiles occasionally share sweet moments, giving fans a glimpse into their deep connection. Their Upcoming Projects On the professional front, Hrithik Roshan is set to headline War 2—Ayan Mukerji's sequel to the 2019 blockbuster in the YRF Spy Universe—alongside Kiara Advani and Jr NTR, with an August 14, 2025 release date. Meanwhile, Saba Azad recently featured in Zee5's series Crime Beat, sharing the screen with Saqib Saleem, Sai Tamhankar, Rahul Bhat and others.
