Diljit Dosanjh Voices Concern Over Student Protests Amid Controversy

Diljit Dosanjh has voiced his concerns regarding the treatment of students during recent protests in Delhi, criticizing police actions and urging authorities to listen to their demands. His remarks come amid the backdrop of his film 'Satluj' facing a ban from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The actor anticipates backlash for his stance, recalling past experiences of being labeled 'anti-national'. The protests, led by the Cockroach Janata Party, have seen thousands of students rallying for accountability over alleged exam paper leaks, including NEET. This article delves into Diljit's reactions and the broader implications of the protests.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 09:51 IST

Diljit Dosanjh's Reaction to Student Protests

Diljit Dosanjh, who recently made headlines for his strong stance against the ban on his film 'Satluj' by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, has expressed his distress over the distressing footage of students being assaulted by police during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The actor took to his Instagram stories to share his thoughts, highlighting his concern for the well-being of the students after the police's lathi charge during the CJP protest. He criticized the treatment of the students, labeling it as 'very wrong' and urged the authorities to heed their demands. Diljit also anticipated being labeled 'anti-national' for his outspoken views.

Diljit Dosanjh's Message on the CJP Protest

In his message, Diljit emphasized that the students deserved better treatment. He stated, “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” He expressed concern that his support for the protest would lead to accusations of being 'anti-national.' Reflecting on his past experiences, he mentioned facing significant backlash and legal issues that he is unable to discuss. He concluded his message with a reminder that God is watching over everyone. Diljit shared a note in Punjabi, which translates to: “What happened today was very bad. Students should not be treated this way. I request the authorities to listen to the students' demands. The voice of the people is the voice of God. I have already been labeled an anti-nationalist many times. Now, I will be called anti-national again. After the farmers' protest, I faced a lot of backlash and legal issues that I can't even talk about. But God is watching over everyone.” *(sic)

In addition to Diljit, several other actors, including Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, Vijay Varma, and Naseeruddin Shah, have also shown their support for the students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak.

Overview of the Student Protests in India

Thousands of students and young people participated in protests organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) across major cities in India, including Delhi and Mumbai. They are demanding accountability regarding the alleged leaks of exam papers, particularly for the NEET examination. Additionally, they are calling for reforms in the education system and have expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has initiated a hunger strike to protest against the paper leaks.

Update on Diljit Dosanjh's Film 'Satluj'

Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj' (previously titled 'Panjab 95') was released on July 3, 2026, on ZEE5 after a three-year delay. Following its quiet release, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry instructed ZEE5 to remove the film from India due to a lack of clearance from the CBFC. Despite the ban, many viewers had already watched it online. In response to the ministry's actions, Diljit went live on Instagram, urging viewers to share the film on social media. Subsequently, the I&B Ministry established an Interdepartmental Committee to review the film's content after its global ban. The committee recommended cuts to the film. Meanwhile, Sikh organizations organized public screenings in various Gurdwaras across North India. Reports indicate that CBFC certification is now mandatory for films that are released directly on OTT platforms.