Kolkata’s streets witnessed a striking show of solidarity on the eve of Independence Day as Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan joined a night march calling for greater safety and freedom for women.
The march brought together several prominent names from Bengal’s film, music and cultural circles, including actress Rituparna Sengupta, Agnimitra Pal, Chaiti Ghosal, Indrani Haldar and singer Iman Chakraborty. Jaya Ahsan’s participation became one of the major talking points of the event.
The gathering was organised around the message that women should be able to move freely and safely through Kolkata’s streets at night. Participants walked together, raising their voices for women’s security and dignity.
Jaya was seen taking part in the procession wearing a salwar suit and singing the iconic Bengali song “Karar Oi Louho Kopat”. Her appearance attracted considerable attention, particularly because she is a leading actor from Bangladesh who enjoys a substantial following in West Bengal as well.
Jaya frequently visits Kolkata for film shoots and promotional activities. Her recent Bengali film “Aajo Ardhangini” has also received attention from audiences.
Her participation in the Kolkata march was widely appreciated by many fans, who viewed her presence as a symbol of cultural and social solidarity between the two Bengals. At the same time, her appearance also sparked discussion among sections of the public.
The march took place just before August 15, a date associated with different historical memories on either side of the Bengal border. Against that backdrop, Jaya’s participation added another dimension to an event centred on women’s safety, freedom and the right to reclaim public spaces.
