Rajkummar Rao and Bollywood Stars Speak Out Amid Student Protests

The recent student protests at Jantar Mantar turned violent, prompting reactions from Bollywood stars like Rajkummar Rao and Preity Zinta. As clashes with police ensued, Rao condemned the violence and called for empathy and dialogue. Other celebrities also voiced their concerns, highlighting the importance of peaceful protests and the need for educational reforms. The situation has sparked a divide within the film industry, with some supporting the students while others remain silent. This article delves into the responses from various Bollywood figures and the ongoing discourse surrounding the protests.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 11:58 IST

Violence Erupts During Student Protest at Jantar Mantar

The peaceful demonstration by students at Jantar Mantar escalated into violence during the Cockroach Janata Party's Chalo Sansad march, resulting in clashes with the Delhi Police. Disturbing footage depicted police allegedly using batons to disperse the crowd, which led to a chaotic stampede. Both protesters and police have reported injuries, and reactions are flooding social media. Actor Rajkummar Rao has publicly condemned the violence, expressing solidarity with the students. In his statement, he called on the government to engage empathetically and initiate dialogue with the affected individuals, emphasizing that maintaining peace should be paramount.

Rajkummar Rao's Response to the Protests

In his remarks regarding the students' protest, Rajkummar stated, "When the youth feel ignored, it serves as a reminder for society to listen. Every voice deserves to be acknowledged with dignity and respect. Peace must be our strongest asset. Violence from any party only exacerbates wounds and distances us from meaningful resolutions." He highlighted the importance of dialogue and compassion, urging students to express their views responsibly while calling on authorities to respond with empathy and a genuine willingness to listen. He asserted that true and lasting change can only be achieved through conversation rather than confrontation. "We all collectively desire one thing: growth for our nation, and fair education is the foundation for that growth," Rao added.

Bollywood Reactions to the Student Protests

Earlier today, other Bollywood figures such as Preity Zinta and Shoojit Sircar also voiced their opinions on the ongoing student protests occurring in Delhi, Mumbai, and other regions. Sircar shared a heartbreak emoji and remarked, "Students, protesting is a democratic right; exercise it within your rights. Opposition is also a democratic right, and it should be conducted within the limits of your rights." Meanwhile, Preity tweeted, "While supporting our students and advocating for educational reforms is crucial, it is equally important that peaceful protests are not taken over by anti-national elements, leading to chaos and altering the protest's nature." She also expressed her worries about the negativity circulating online.

The current student protests have created a divide within Bollywood. While some celebrities are openly supporting the students and even participating in the protests, others have chosen to remain silent, facing significant backlash.