A host of actors, filmmakers and musicians, including Naseeruddin Shah, Pa Ranjith, Arijit Singh, Rajkummar Rao and Tovino Thomas, have come out in support of students protesting over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Many of them have also condemned the police crackdown on demonstrators.
Celebrities Condemn Police Action at NEET Protest
The outpouring of support comes two days after Delhi Police used force to disperse thousands of protesters who had gathered in the capital. The students had responded to a 'Chalo Sansad' call demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak and alleged irregularities in the examination system.
According to National Herald, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah sharply criticised the police action in a video posted on Instagram. He likened the conduct of the police to that of "American ICE agents".
"My heart is aching, and I a..." — Naseeruddin Shah via National Herald
Film Personalities Back Students Over NEET Paper Leak
Several other film personalities have also backed the students protesting over the NEET paper leak. The support from the entertainment industry highlights the widespread concern over the examination irregularities.
As reported by National Herald on Facebook, Arijit Singh, Pa Ranjith, Rajkummar Rao, and Tovino Thomas are among those who have voiced their support for the student protesters.
Naseeruddin Shah's Strong Condemnation of Police
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has strongly condemned the police action against protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He shared an emotional message criticizing the force used by authorities.
According to India Today NE on Facebook, Shah called the Delhi Police "hooligans" and compared their behavior to America's ICE agents.
Our Take: Celebrity Support Amplifies Student Concerns
In our view, the backing from such a diverse group of celebrities — from veteran actors like Naseeruddin Shah to popular musicians like Arijit Singh — shows that the NEET issue has struck a chord across Indian society. The fact that these public figures are willing to speak out against police action suggests they see genuine cause for concern in how the protests were handled. While some may argue that celebrities should stay out of political matters, their voices bring national attention to student grievances that might otherwise be ignored. The key question now is whether the government will respond to the demands for accountability over the NEET paper leak.
