Veteran Bollywood actors Ratna Pathak Shah and Seema Pahwa have publicly backed the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests over alleged NEET examination irregularities, while questioning the silence of many prominent figures in the Indian film industry following clashes between students and police in Delhi.
The two actors released emotional video messages on Wednesday, expressing concern over the treatment of student demonstrators and urging celebrities, artists and influential personalities to speak out on issues affecting young people.
The CJP movement began as a protest against alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), with students demanding greater transparency in competitive examinations, stronger safeguards against paper leaks and accountability from authorities. Demonstrators have also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protests gained national attention after thousands of students attempted to march towards Parliament and were stopped by police near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Images and videos showing security forces using batons and tear gas against protesters sparked widespread debate and drew reactions from opposition leaders, activists and public figures.
Seema Pahwa Questions Bollywood Silence
Actor Seema Pahwa expressed strong support for the protesting students and criticised what she described as the lack of response from many members of the entertainment industry.
In a video message shared online, Pahwa said she stood with the students, their families and everyone demanding fairness in the education system. She questioned why many successful personalities had remained silent despite seeing reports of injured young protesters.
Pahwa suggested that some celebrities may be avoiding public statements because they fear professional consequences or losing access to opportunities.
She argued that public figures who receive recognition from ordinary people also have a responsibility to speak during moments of national importance.
The actor urged members of the film industry to move beyond personal concerns and show solidarity with students who she said were fighting for their future.
Pahwa also praised veteran actor Shabana Azmi for joining the student demonstrations, highlighting her decision to participate despite her age.
She said Azmi’s involvement showed courage and added that she would have personally joined the protesters if not for difficulties in her own life.
Ratna Pathak Shah Uses Mythology to Question Leadership
Ratna Pathak Shah also released an emotional message supporting the students, following criticism of police action from her husband, actor Naseeruddin Shah.
Drawing comparisons with the story of Ekalavya and Dronacharya from Indian mythology, Ratna questioned whether young people should be expected to sacrifice their opportunities to protect powerful institutions.
She criticised what she described as a disconnect between leaders and students, saying that a nation aspiring to become a global educational leader must listen carefully to the concerns of its youth.
Ratna also issued an apology to students on behalf of older generations, saying previous generations had recognised problems developing in society but failed to prevent them.
She acknowledged that many elders may no longer have the authority to lecture young people but said they still had the responsibility to stand beside them when needed.
Other Actors Express Concern
Several other Bollywood personalities have also reacted to the growing controversy.
Actor Rajkummar Rao said the protests reflected frustration among young people who felt unheard. He called for respectful dialogue and urged both protesters and authorities to avoid violence.
Rao said students should have the right to express their concerns while governments should respond with patience, understanding and meaningful discussion.
Comedian and veteran actor Johnny Lever also commented on the protest scenes, saying he was saddened by images of students facing difficulties and encouraged authorities to listen carefully to their concerns.
Actor Saumya Tandon described the scenes from Delhi as disturbing and said reports of violence by some individuals should not justify excessive action against peaceful demonstrators.
She called for communication between the government and students, arguing that democratic disagreements should be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Student Movement Gains Wider Attention
The CJP protest movement, which started as an online campaign, has grown into one of the most visible youth demonstrations in India in recent years.
The movement gained additional attention after activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike in support of students’ demands.
Thousands of young protesters later travelled to Delhi and attempted to march towards Parliament during the Monsoon Session, leading to clashes with police.
The government has said it is willing to discuss examination reforms and take action against those responsible for leaks, while opposition parties have accused authorities of failing to address student concerns.
The involvement of prominent actors has expanded the debate beyond examination policies, turning it into a wider discussion about youth frustration, government accountability, freedom of expression and the handling of public protests.
As demonstrations continue, pressure is increasing on both political leaders and influential public figures to respond to growing concerns among India’s young population.
