Hindi Film Stars Rally Support for Student Protesters at Jantar Mantar
Several Hindi film actors have publicly voiced support for student protesters demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with some joining demonstrations in New Delhi and Mumbai. While major stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan have remained silent, artists including Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Alia Bhatt, Chitrangada Singh, R. Madhavan, Sara Ali Khan, and Huma Qureshi have expressed solidarity.
Veteran actor Raghubir Yadav criticized police actions, stating: 'Those who have worn khaki uniforms and displayed brutality, the entire creation, the entire universe will never forgive them.' Huma Qureshi and her brother Saquib Salim attended the Jantar Mantar protest on July 24, marching with students for about an hour. Imran Khan participated in a solidarity march in Mumbai earlier that day.
Shabana Azmi, among the first to back the protesters, shared a stage with them in New Delhi and called for educational reforms, urging the government to allocate 6% of GDP to education, public health, and women's empowerment. She also joined the 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20, where tear gas was used, and used her inhaler due to asthma. 'What they (students) are demanding is not sinister or evil. Students are asking for educational reforms to safeguard their future. Listen to them,' she urged.
Chitrangada Singh emphasized dialogue on X: 'A nation cannot ask its youth to dream big and then remain silent when those dreams are in distress... Please listen to these students. Their concerns deserve dialogue, empathy and action.' Alia Bhatt tweeted emotionally: 'The last few days have broken my heart and then mended it, again and again, with hope... Their courage humbles me... The future is theirs.'
R. Madhavan expressed concern over examination paper leaks, tweeting: 'I share the concern and disappointment felt by so many students and parents today. An education system must inspire confidence, fairness and opportunity.' Sara Ali Khan stated: 'Our students are our future... We must listen to them with open hearts, care deeply and walk beside them.' She added: 'As an optimistic patriot, I have immense faith that our government will deliver justice.'
