Support for students protesting over alleged NEET examination irregularities continues to grow, with actors, filmmakers and artists from across Bollywood and regional cinema standing firmly behind the movement. From emotional appeals to demands for accountability, several celebrities have urged authorities to listen to students instead of responding with force.
The protests, which began over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam, gained fresh momentum after police action against demonstrators in Delhi. Images from the protest quickly spread online, prompting many members of the film industry to voice concern over the treatment of students and call for a fair resolution.
Among the latest to extend support are actors Shahid Kapoor, Manushi Chhillar and Pooja Bhatt. Joining them are Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Dia Mirza, Soha Ali Khan, Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, Rohit Saraf and Aayush Sharma, who have all backed the students through social media posts. Their common message has been that students deserve to be heard and that concerns over the examination process should be addressed transparently.
Veteran filmmaker Aparna Sen shared one of the most emotional reactions. She said the courage and resilience shown by the students left her deeply moved, adding that she “wept all night” after seeing what had unfolded. Sen praised the protesters for standing up for their future despite the challenges they faced.
Support has continued to spread across the film industry. Salman Khan, Ishaan Khatter and veteran actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha also expressed solidarity with the students, urging the government to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful solution instead of escalating tensions.
The movement has also found strong backing in South Indian cinema. Malayalam stars Mammootty and Manju Warrier voiced support for the protesting students, while Tamil actor-politician Kamal Haasan, filmmaker Pa. Ranjith and singer Arivu also called for justice and greater accountability.
The issue has even attracted international attention, with Hollywood actor John Cusack publicly supporting the students through social media, adding a global voice to the growing campaign.
Meanwhile, the Centre has initiated discussions with representatives of the protest movement, even as student groups maintain that demonstrations will continue until their demands are addressed. What began as a protest over alleged exam irregularities has now evolved into a larger debate on transparency, accountability and students’ right to peaceful protest.
With more voices from the entertainment industry joining in every day, the NEET protest has become more than just an education issue. It has emerged as a nationwide conversation on fairness, democratic rights and the future of millions of students.
