“I hope 2023 brings with it more peace for Iranian people, especially women who are fighting for their rights” – Sajjad Delafrooz

It has been months since anti-Hijab protests have been going on in Iran. It has been a very harsh year for the people in Iran, especially women who have been protesting for their rights. While the protests are raging like wildfire in the country and 100 detainees face Death Penalty, here is what actor Sajjad Delafrooz who hails from Iran, and has been working in the Bollywood industry, has to say about 2023 being a ray of hope for Iranian women.

The anti-hijab protests has picked up momentum across nations. Many people, including celebrities, have also cut their hair in solidarity with Iranian women. Born in Iran, Delafrooz has been working in the Bollywood industry for quite some time now. The actor has been constantly on the receiving end of applause from the audience and his co-stars for his work in movies like Tiger Zinda Hai, Special Ops, and Freddy. And now, Sajjad highlights the plight of women in Iran during these current protests, hoping that 2023 would bring greater peace for Iranian women and expressing support for their bravery, the actor says, “Once you walk the street in Iran, you come to know about Iranian culture, the hospitality, and the generosity. People who treat strangers like family deserve a better life. Iranian people have been fighting for their freedom for decades, and I hope 2023 will bring it to them. Well, I’m confident that 2023 will be the year the freedom sun rises in that land.

Earlier in October, the actor took a stand and shared a heartbreaking video on Instagram about his experience protesting with the people. Talking about his experience protesting, the actor said, “The young women I encountered as I was out on the streets taught me a valuable lesson: BRAVERY! They taught me how to resist even the harshest forces.   The police shot people directly, I was attacked by tear gas, pepper spray, and beaten with batons, but none of them were afraid of this treatment, nothing could break the spirit of these young women!”

The actor also shared, “When I saw pregnant women, people with asthma, and frail teenagers standing next to me, I understood what it meant to be brave. I also realized how proud I should be of these women in my country and how hopeful I should be about the future of this world and my own.  To these Iranian women who made me put the fear away gave me a chance to stand next to you!”