NEW DELHI: Several prominent Bollywood and entertainment personalities have spoken out in support of, or commented on, the ongoing student protests in India’s capital, New Delhi, led by the Cockroach Janta Party over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for reforms in the country’s education system.
The protests at Jantar Mantar gained nationwide attention after clashes between police and demonstrators during a march towards Parliament on July 20. The confrontation involved tear gas shelling and baton charges. According to Indian media, hundreds of thousands of students have taken to the streets demanding government jobs, action over the alleged medical entrance examination paper leak, and reforms in the education system.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan shared a message on social media, saying, “It is encouraging to see students across the country united in demanding a better education system, with the support of their parents. It was a very peaceful movement, and it is deeply saddening that it turned violent. Examination paper leaks are a very serious issue.”
Actress Alia Bhatt also expressed her views on Instagram, writing, “What has happened over the past few days has broken my heart. But the courage and determination of the students have given me hope. I salute the dreams of the students and the hopes of their families.”
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah strongly criticized the police action in a video statement, saying, “If an ignorant person leads a country, it is only natural that they would want the entire country to become ignorant and cruel. Students should not lose hope. The whole country stands with them, and the government should remember that everything will be remembered.”
Naseeruddin Shah also criticized several leading Bollywood stars for remaining silent on the issue, linking their silence to personal interests.
South Indian actor and politician Kamal Haasan also expressed support for the students in an emotional message, saying, “We should have listened when one child cried, but we waited until many children had lost their lives. A system where coaching replaces education and crime replaces merit is a decayed system.”
Senior Bollywood actor Prakash Raj criticized artists who have remained silent on the protests, saying, “Movements like these reveal who truly stands with the people. I had hoped that many leading actors would use their voices for this cause, but they did not. History may forgive those who made mistakes, but it will not forgive those who remained silent.”
Actor Imran Khan also joined a march with children in Mumbai during the rain, saying, “I am here to support all those children whose hard work has been wasted. This is a fight for the future of our country.”
