Entertainment
Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor and Kamal Haasan back protesting students: ‘This issue should not be Hijacked…’
From Bollywood to South cinema, leading actors, filmmakers and musicians have voiced support for students demanding education reforms, with many condemning police action during recent protests.
India’s entertainment industry has witnessed an unusual moment of unity as several of the country’s biggest stars have publicly backed students protesting for reforms in the education system. From Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, and Kareena Kapoor Khan to Kamal Haasan, celebrities across languages have expressed concern over the recent clashes between protesters and police while urging authorities to listen to the voices of young people.
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have been demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the examination system, including the NEET paper leak controversy. Demonstrations in New Delhi and several other cities turned tense after police used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters earlier this week.
Salman Khan Calls for Education Reforms
Salman Khan became the first among the three Khans of Bollywood to publicly address the issue. Sharing a statement on social media, the actor said he was saddened to see a peaceful movement take a violent turn.
Calling the alleged paper leak a serious issue, Salman praised students for coming together in support of a better education system. At the same time, he urged that the movement should remain focused on students’ concerns and not become politically driven.
His statement quickly gained attention online, with fans applauding the actor for speaking on an issue affecting millions of students across the country.
Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Share Emotional Messages
Alia Bhatt described the students’ determination as inspiring, saying their courage had “broken and mended” her heart over the past few days.
She highlighted that every student standing up for change represents not only personal dreams but also the sacrifices of their families, adding that they are helping build a better future for generations to come.
Kareena Kapoor Khan also posted an emotional note, saying she could no longer stay silent. She stressed that when an entire generation raises concerns about its future, listening becomes a responsibility rather than a choice.
Her message emphasised that the way society responds today will shape how young people perceive fairness, trust and accountability in the years ahead.
Kamal Haasan Criticises Police Action
Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan strongly criticised the handling of the protests, expressing concern over what he described as excessive force against students.
ALSO READ : ‘Meesaya Murukku 2’ Release Date Out: Hiphop Tamizha Adhi Says ‘I’ll Keep fighting till the End…’ as sequel returns after 9 Years
He argued that a system where learning is overshadowed by coaching, anxiety and unfair practices requires urgent reform. Haasan also appealed to education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains on an indefinite hunger strike, to take care of his health while continuing his campaign.
More Celebrities Join the Chorus
Support for the students extended far beyond a handful of stars.
Veteran actors Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, and Ratna Pathak Shah openly backed the protesters, while actor Raghubir Yadav released a heartfelt video expressing solidarity with students. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh called on authorities to hear the students’ demands, saying that young people deserved to be treated with dignity.
Filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap, and Vikramaditya Motwane also shared messages supporting accountability and dialogue.
In Mumbai, actors Imran Khan, Alaya F, rapper Raftaar, and singer Anuv Jain participated in solidarity demonstrations. Actor Vivaan Shah also attended a protest, while actor Huma Qureshi visited the protest site at Jantar Mantar.
Several voices from the South Indian film industry, including Revathy, Tovino Thomas, Vijay Sethupathi, and filmmaker Pa Ranjith, also shared messages supporting the students’ movement.
Growing Public Attention
The protests have continued to draw nationwide attention, with students demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in India’s examination system.
As more public figures lend their voices to the movement, the issue has evolved into a wider national conversation on education, fairness and the future of millions of young aspirants.
