Several film personalities, including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol, Rajkummar Rao and Aditya Narayan, voiced support for students protesting against alleged examination irregularities and the police crackdown on demonstrators, with some strongly criticising the authorities while others called for dialogue, empathy, transparency and reforms to restore faith in the education system.
Naseeruddin Shah, wife condemn police action
His heart is aching and he is furious at the injustice meted out to the young by masked “goons” who remind him of American ICE agents, actor Naseeruddin Shah said on Wednesday in a strongly worded statement against the police crackdown on protesting students. “Sab yaad rakha jayega (Everything will be remembered),” Shah said in an emotional video posted on Instagram while asking students to continue their fight.
The video came two days after police in the city cracked down on thousands of people, mostly students, who hit the streets of the capital in response to a ‘Chalo Sansad’ call to push for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and voice their protest against irregularities in the exam system.
His wife and actor Ratna Pathak Shah also came out in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, saying they were ready to be with the students whenever they call.
Naseeruddin Shah, who lashed out at the government, urged students to continue their fight. “Right now, my heart is aching, and I am also boiling with anger to see how our kids are being meted out injustice by these goons who remind me of American ICE agents, wearing masks and carrying sticks. Think about your own children sometimes and know that you will face consequences for you actions one day for sure,” he said.
Ratna Shah recalled the Eklavya story she heard first in her childhood to press home her point.
“I was shocked… what kind of guru would ask a child, his student, for his entire future. My elders at the time told me that the story is not about the teacher, but about the student and his devotion to his teacher, his determination to learn something and his sacrifice. I agreed but never completely came to terms with it. Now, I know what kind of teacher he was and how such teachers are around us. We are talking about becoming ‘Vishwaguru’ but we cannot even connect with our students. Wow, what kind of teacher are you. We want children to sacrifice their future so that some people in power are saved,” she said.
Abhay Deol flags deep social divisions
Actor Abhay Deol also voiced his support for students protesting against the recent incident of violence, saying the unrest has exposed long-standing social divisions in the country.
Abhay shared the famous post-war poem ‘First They Came’ by Martin Niemoller, based on the idea that injustice against any group should concern everyone.
Taking to the caption section, he posted a strongly worded note talking about how India has historically prioritised community over country, arguing that injustice and violence are not new but have now reached a point where they can no longer be ignored.
He wrote: “Let’s admit to ourselves, culturally we have always placed our community before our country. We speak with national pride, but we remain divided through religion, caste, class, and even language.”
Abhay went on to share: “Don’t just look at the films and the media, look at your parents and ask them what they believe. The divide is between the old world and the new one that is emerging. You either change, or you get left behind. Injustice and violence is not new in our country. It has only just arrived at your doorstep, and now even you cannot ignore it.”
Rajkummar Rao urges talks over confrontation
Actor Rajkummar Rao also shared a heartfelt message amid the ongoing student protests, urging people and authorities alike to choose empathy, dialogue and peaceful engagement over confrontation.
Taking to social media, the actor stressed the importance of listening to young voices while maintaining peace.
His note began, “When young people feel unheard, it is a reminder that society must listen. Every voice deserves to be heard with dignity, fairness and respect.”
Calling for non-violence, Rajkummar wrote, “At the same time, peace must remain our greatest strength. Violence, from any side, only deepens wounds and takes us further away from meaningful solutions. This is a moment for dialogue and compassion.”
“Let students express themselves responsibly. Let authorities respond with empathy, openness and a genuine willingness to listen. Real and lasting change is built through conversation, not confrontation. That is what is needed now—more than ever,” he wrote.
My heart goes out to the students: Salman Khan
Superstar Salman Khan took to Instagram and wrote a long note. It read, “It was such a peaceful movement, feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt. Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know n see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them.”
He added, “I truly appreciate the stand they have taken, showing dedication, sincerity, and keenness to study hard n make their future and a greater, educated India. This andolan, this protest, is the right way to go abt it, n the students have done this peacefully. So courageous and brave. Driven and motivated towards education, this generation will make India proud.”
Kangana faces backlash
Meanwhile BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has drawn sharp criticism on social media after defending the Delhi Police’s action against students during the “Chalo Sansad” protest and labelling the demonstrators a “mob.”
Ranaut asserted that protests should not be used to “arm-twist” the government or dictate leadership.
Her remarks triggered a wave of online condemnation, with many users accusing the Mandi MP of endorsing excessive force against students.
The controversy also prompted several social media users to reference the 2024 incident where Ranaut was allegedly slapped by a CISF constable at Chandigarh airport, with some comments suggesting her recent stance justified that past confrontation. (Agencies)
