Several actors and filmmakers have extended support to students protesting alleged irregularities in the examination system, including the NEET paper leak issue and demanding accountability from authorities.

The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, intensified after clashes during the party's "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. Police used tear gas shells and lathi charges after protesters attempted to move beyond security barricades near Parliament. Several protesters and police personnel sustained injuries during the confrontation.

As the issue gained national attention, celebrities from Hindi cinema and regional industries voiced their views on student concerns, education reforms and the need for accountability.

Salman Khan urges students to return home, backs action against those responsible

Actor Salman Khan said students should not worry about their future and expressed confidence that strict action would be taken against those responsible for paper leaks.

In a post on X, Salman said students' educational and security concerns were a priority and urged them to return to their families.

He also addressed activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been associated with the CJP agitation, asking him not to continue the protest indefinitely and to focus on his health.

Earlier, Salman had said the student movement was peaceful initially and expressed sadness that it turned violent. He said paper leaks were a serious issue and that students and their families deserved attention.

He also said the issue should remain focused on students and the education system rather than being politically diverted.

Kareena Kapoor says students deserve a trustworthy education system

Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan said she could not ignore the concerns raised by students and stressed that young people deserved a fair and reliable education system.

She said education provides confidence and hope to families and added that students should not have to question whether their hard work would be rewarded.

Kareena said when an entire generation raises concerns about its future, listening to them becomes an obligation rather than a choice.

She added that students deserved a system where merit is recognised, effort is rewarded and opportunities remain equal.

Alia Bhatt praises students' courage

Actor Alia Bhatt also expressed support for protesting students, saying their courage had deeply affected her.

She said behind every student standing for their rights was a dream, a family's hope and years of sacrifice.

Alia said students represented not only themselves but also future generations seeking a better education system.

Kamal Haasan criticises response to student protests

Actor and politician Kamal Haasan criticised the treatment of protesting students and questioned the condition of the education system.

He said a system where coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity and criminality replaces merit needed serious reform.

Haasan said the country had failed when students were met with barricades and batons instead of answers.

He also appealed to Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, while continuing to support the concerns raised by students.

Other celebrities join voices supporting students

Several other personalities from the entertainment industry also reacted to the protests.

Actor Naseeruddin Shah criticised the alleged police action against students and said many people supported their demand for justice. His wife, Ratna Pathak Shah, also expressed support for students.

Actor Raghubir Yadav said he was hurt after watching videos of students allegedly being beaten during the march towards Parliament and praised their courage.

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh criticised the treatment of students and urged authorities to listen to their demands.

Filmmakers including Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane and Imtiaz Ali also expressed support for student concerns.

 

Actors including Huma Qureshi, Hanumankind, Sonakshi Sinha, Rajkummar Rao, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha and others have also shared views related to the protests.

Protests spread beyond Delhi

The student agitation also saw solidarity demonstrations in other cities.

In Mumbai, actors and public figures participated in protests supporting students. Actor Ayesha Khan was detained by Mumbai Police during a solidarity demonstration in Dadar.

Actors Imran Khan and Alaya F, rapper Raftaar and singer Anuv Jain were among those who joined or expressed support for demonstrations.

From South cinema, actors including Revathy, Tovino Thomas and Vijay Sethupathi, along with filmmaker Pa Ranjith, also voiced support for student concerns.

CJP protest continues at Jantar Mantar

The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar for weeks, demanding action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The agitation intensified after the July 20 confrontation during the "Chalo Sansad" march, leading to wider political and public attention.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders, have also expressed support for the protesters and criticised the police action.

Government announces steps after protests

Amid the growing controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that fast-track courts would be established to ensure quick punishment for those involved in paper leaks.

The government has maintained that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for examination irregularities.

The Centre has also said it is ready for discussions on the NEET issue, while Opposition parties continue demanding accountability and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.