Umar Khalid is in jail to ensure society doesn't turn into prison: Prakash Raj at Bengaluru event

Actor Prakash Raj on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) said that incarcerated activist Umar Khalid was standing and fighting for everyone in the country, and his imprisonment symbolised resistance against a society “turning into a prison”.

Mr. Raj made the remarks during a panel discussion and reading of excerpts from a book titled ‘Umar Khalid and His World’ at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC). The panel also included writer-historian Ramachandra Guha and historian Janaki Nair.

The event focused on Mr. Khalid’s writings, incarceration, and the broader political and social context reflected in the book.

“As we sit here, the supreme leader of the regime has given a statement during campaigning – ‘Give me your vote, I’ll give you freedom’,” Mr. Raj said.

“I’m here because Umar Khalid is standing and fighting for all of us,” the actor said.