Bollywood Stars Rally for Student Protesters Amid Violence in Delhi
Protests Erupt Over NEET Paper Leak
On July 20, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) organized a march towards Parliament, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to the NEET paper leak incident. A delegation from the party met with Union Health Minister JP Nadda to voice their concerns. Unfortunately, the demonstration escalated into violence, resulting in injuries to both students and police officers, with reports indicating that 118 officers were hurt. Many Bollywood figures expressed their disapproval of the violence that marred what was intended to be a peaceful protest. Celebrities such as Dia Mirza and Riteish Deshmukh voiced their support for the demonstrators.
Naseeruddin Shah Shows Support at Jantar Mantar
Naseeruddin Shah at Jantar Mantar
Naseeruddin Shah was seen joining the student protesters at Jantar Mantar on Monday evening. The acclaimed actor quietly stood in solidarity with the demonstrators, accompanied by his son, Vivaan Shah. A social media post captured the moment, highlighting the power of silence in expressing support.
Naseeruddin Shah joined the student protest at Jantar Mantar with his sons, Imaad and Vivaan. He said nothing. He simply stood, watched, and stayed. Sometimes, silence speaks louder✊🙌 pic.twitter.com/UKDYUu1Ubv
— Siddharth (@SidKeVichaar) July 20, 2026
Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh Stand with Students
Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh back students protesting at Jantar Mantar
Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh released a statement on social media expressing their solidarity with the youth of India. They emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of young people, stating, “Their voices deserve to be heard - loud, clear, and without fear. They are the heartbeat of our democracy and the true architects of our nation's future. Let us listen, support, and empower them. The energy, courage, and dreams of our young people will shape the India we aspire to build. Jai Hind.”
Dia Mirza's Response to Protest Violence
Dia Mirza reacts to violence in Delhi
Dia Mirza took to Instagram to share images from the protest, commenting on the day's events. She expressed her disappointment, stating, “Today has been a day that has revealed many truths. A day thousands of people showed up to mark their protest demanding accountability, transparency, and reform for the education system. A day when the forces that are duty bound to protect its citizens used brute force on them including women and children in reaction to their peaceful protest. Hopeful and angry.”
Shabana Azmi Joins the Protest
Shabana Azmi supports youth protestors
Earlier that day, Shabana Azmi was seen supporting the student protesters at Jantar Mantar. She was accompanied by Neha Bora, the National President of the All India Students’ Association, and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. During the protest, Azmi's health took a turn for the worse, and she was seen needing medical assistance after feeling faint. Throughout the day, other Bollywood stars like Huma Qureshi, Saqeeb Saleem, Bhumi Pednekar, and Anurag Kashyap voiced their support for the protection of democratic rights as tensions escalated in Delhi.