Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kamal Haasan… Mainstream stars from India’s showbiz industry, which is often accused of staying silent on important issues, have joined the chorus of support for students who faced police action during protests demanding reform in education system.
“This issue is between the students and the educational system, it should not be hijacked politically…,’ Salman wrote.
Salman Khan urged students to go back home, says PM will take action against those responsible for paper leak
On Thursday, the superstar post a long note, “The students are at top priority, educationally n security-wise, so they need not worry and have their parents worried for them. The Honorable Prime Minister has tweeted, and I am sure that he will take strict action against all those people who are responsible for this leak. So students, plz go back to your parents n homes”.
Kareena said, “I’ve sat with this for a few days, but I can’t sit with it any longer. The voices of so many young people asking to be heard are impossible to ignore… and they shouldn’t be.” “…
Alia said the courage shown by students has humbled her.
Tamil superstar and politician Kamal Haasan strongly criticised the police brutality shown towards students.
H’wood star John Cusack backs protest
Hollywood star John Cusack, who had voiced his support for anti-CAA protests in 2019, shared an article by author Arundhati Roy, who criticised the Delhi Police for using excessive force on students during their ‘Chalo Sansad’ march earlier this week. ‘Beautiful news from my fellow cockroach,’ he wrote.
Panchayat star Raghubir Yadav said he is heartbroken watching videos of students being “beaten heartlessly and mercilessly” during their march towards Parliament on Monday.
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi was among the first from the industry to not only voice her support but actually stand by the students at Jantar Mantar.
Naseeruddin Shah shared a video calling out the government while reaffirming his faith in the youth of the country. His wife, actor Ratna Pathak Shah, also praised students for demanding accountability.
Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh was scathing after the clashes on Monday.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali shared articles and photos about the protests and wrote.
Mumbai, the hub of the Hindi film industry, has also witnessed protests in solidarity with the CJP-led students’ agitation in New Delhi.
Actors Imran Khan and Alaya F, rapper Raftaar, and singer Anuv Jain were among the celebrities who joined demonstrators in the financial capital.
Ayesha Khan, who shot to fame with her viral song Shararat from Dhurandhar, was detained by the Mumbai Police in Dadar on Wednesday while attempting to join a solidarity protest.
Naseeruddin Shah’s son Vivaan was seen attending the protest at Shivaji Park in Dadar.
Sara Ali Khan has reacted to the ongoing student protests across the country. On Thursday, the actress took to her Instagram, she wrote, “Our students are our future and their future tugs at the very heart of our nation. Their resolve burns like a quiet, unquenchable flame that brings tears to my eyes, reminding us that true patriotism beats in the brave hearts of those who dare to stand up for what they believe in. Their courage and determination to seek a better and safer future is both inspiring and stirring; a powerful awakening of our shared conscience”.
However, netizens took a very dim view of her statement, and made sarcastic remarks on her post. One user wrote, “Your statement doesn’t even make sense. Get a better AI tool. Don’t just put the PMO brief directly onto AI”.
Another wrote, “chatgpt please write a short post in such a way that neither modi ji nor the protesters gets offended @saraalikhan95”.
Netizens have broadly criticised the celebs and influencers for the lack of categorical stance on the ongoing protest.
Ananya Panday has lauded Gen Z for being their true self and sticking to their beliefs amid the ongoing nationwide protests spearheaded by Gen Z.
She wrote, “Gen Z has always been labelled … not all of them have been kind. But maybe this moment is reminding us who this generation really is. A generation that’s no longer willing to accept…,’. Like Sara Ali Khan, Internet users didn’t spare Ananya either. They swarmed the comments section, and took potshots at her for her safe stance. One user wrote, “Finally Bollywood want to follow the trend !!! Where were they from so many days”. Another wrote, “They are speaking only when the govt spoke about Neet papers. If they had a spine they would have raised their voice and concerns earlier”. Varun Dhawan said he sincerely hopes that the movement continues to remain a students’ protest and does not lose sight of the issues affecting them.
‘Celebrities’ job is not to raise their voice on every issue’
Meanwhile, actress Isha Koppikar has shared her thoughts on the backlash on Bollywood celebrities for allegedly maintaining silence on the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. In a video shared on her social media account, Isha addressed the many fans who had been asking why she had not spoken about the controversy. She said, ‘Namaskar, many fans asked me why I am not talking about NEET. So I thought it was important to tell them that no matter how bad I am feeling right now, it is not necessary to talk about everything. Sometimes silence is also a responsibility.” (Agencies)
