Some members of the film fraternity have expressed support for the CJP youth-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where students have been demanding accountability for alleged NEET irregularities and wider education reforms. As demonstrations intensified during the monsoon period, actors Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Dia Mirza, Soha Ali Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Aayush Sharma, Rohit Saraf, Prakash Raj, Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh came out in support of the protesters.The march, organized under the banner “Sansad Chalo”, later clashed with security personnel when demonstrators tried to walk towards parliament.
Sonu Sood appeals for sympathy
Reacting to the development, Sonu Sood urged the authorities to respond with compassion rather than force. He shared a message on Instagram Stories, writing: “Our students don’t need sticks, they need hands that hug them (sic).”
Wildas urges artists to speak out
Comedian Veer Das has called on other performers not to remain silent as young people continue to protest. He wrote in an Instagram post, “If you are an Indian live artist. I hope you understand the sheer hypocrisy of not speaking up for the youth and then trying to sell them tickets (sic).”Das continued, “It is sheer luxury to be a silent spectator and watch something that the Indian audience cares about and then expect the Indian audience to speak up and care about you. Apna apna dekh lo, lekin mere liye pahunch jaana (Be careful but do get there for me). It doesn’t work. The concert economy in India is based on youth gathering support (sic).”Explaining why he thinks the issue goes beyond politics, Vir added, “I understand that ‘you’re not political,’ there’s a subtext of ‘I’m really comfortable with that.’ I always look at these statements and think, are you, man. But today, I humbly submit to you that this issue is no longer about politics or partisanship. It’s now just about young people. You can support them through your platform and lend support to the things they care about. Other than that, you do your (sic).”“
Aditi Rao Hydari emphasizes dialogue
Aditi Rao Hydari called for empathetic and respectful dialogue in response to the ongoing protests. “Regardless of anyone’s political preferences, humanity must prevail above all else,” her Instagram post read.She further wrote: “We must ensure a safe environment of respect, dignity and compassion for all courageous students and all determined voices seeking to be heard, with a genuine commitment to constructive dialogue. Listening to each other is the basis for meaningful progress. Our students are our future (sic). “
Diamirza condemns use of force
Dia Mirza criticized the use of force against demonstrators, saying the day’s events reflected deeper concerns about the treatment of peaceful protesters. “Today was a day when many truths were revealed. A day when thousands of people came out to protest and demand accountability, transparency and reform of the education system,” she wrote.The actor went on to issue a statement, adding, “On this day, forces duty-bound to protect citizens use violence against citizens, including women and children, in response to their peaceful protests. Full of hope and anger (sic).”
Soha Ali Khan praises fearless youth
Soha Ali Khan expressed solidarity with the students and appreciated the voice of the younger generation. She wrote: “The future belongs to young people, and may they always have the freedom to question, the courage to speak, and the space to protest peacefully.” Jai Shinde (sic). “
Aayush Sharma and Rohit Saraf express support
Ayush Sharma supported the protests and stressed the importance of listening to citizens in a democracy. He said, “The hallmark of a healthy democracy is not the vote but the voice of the people. Whether it is a student or any citizen raising a voice, it needs to be heard and not silenced. Today the government spoke to the students. This is a victory for all those who bravely stood at Jantar Mantar.”“Meanwhile, Rohit Saraf praised the resilience of those involved in the riots.He shared his thoughts, writing: “Today is heartbreaking but I know one thing…not just our country, the entire world is listening. Despite the uncertainty of today, the voices of the future feel brighter (sic).”
Protests demand education reform
The demonstration was organized at the start of the monsoon session of Parliament. The protesters are demanding nationwide education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam.As the march advanced towards parliament, confrontations broke out between protesters and security personnel.
Memorandum submitted to JP Nadda
A delegation representing the CJP later met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a memorandum outlining three main demands. These include the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation to the family of a NEET aspirant who allegedly committed suicide after the question paper was leaked.
More stars join the movement
Actor Prakash Raj also participated in the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march in Delhi. He addressed the rally, waving a copy of the constitution while expressing support for the students’ alleged NEET violations.