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Actors Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Soha Ali Khan and Dia Mirza have rallied behind the youth, expressing solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) youth-led protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Actor Sonu Sood, in his Instagram story, wrote, "Our students don't need lathis (sticks), they need hands that embrace them (sic)."
Actor-comedian Vir Das, in his Instagram post urged artists to do their bit in backing the CJP protest. He wrote, "If you're an Indian live artist. I hope you understand the sheer hypocrisy of not speaking up for young people, and then trying to sell them tickets later (sic)."
"The sheer luxury of being a silent viewer to what an Indian crowd cares about, and then expecting an Indian crowd to be loud and vocal and care about you. Apna apna dekh lo, lekin mere liye pahunch jaana (Look out for yourselves, but make sure you get there for me). Doesn't work. The concert economy in India is built on young people gathering in support (sic)," he added.
"I get that 'you're not political' which is subtext for 'I'm really comfortable'. I always look at those statements and think, do you buddy. But today humbly, I'd submit to you that this issue isn't political or partisan anymore. It's just about the youth now. And you can support them by platforming what they care about. Beyond that, you do you (sic)," the actor concluded.
Actor Aditi Rao Hydari emphasised on "constructive dialogue" amid the ongoing protest. Her Instagram post read, "Whatever anyone's political preferences may be, humanity must come above all."
"We must ensure a safe environment built on respect, dignity, and empathy for all our brave students, and for all the determined voices seeking to be heard, with a genuine commitment to constructive dialogue. Listening to one another is the foundation of meaningful progress. Our students are our future (sic)," the post concluded.
Actor Dia Mirza condemned using brute force against peaceful protesters. Her Instagram story read, "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 (sic)."
"A day when the forces that are duty bound to protect it's citizens used brute force on them including women and children in reaction to their peaceful protest. Hopeful and angry (sic)," the post concluded.
Actor Soha Ali Khan in her Instagram story praised the youth for showing the "courage to speak" and "question." She wrote, "The future belongs to the young. May they always have the freedom to question, the courage to speak, and the space to protest peacefully. Jai Hind (sic)."
Actor Rohit Saraf, in his Instagram story, admired the "extraordinary courage" of protesters and wrote, "Today's been gut-wrenching, but I know one thing..not just our nation, the entire world is listening. It's the sound of a future that feels brighter despite the uncertainty of today (sic)."
Actor Ahsaas Channa also expressed solidarity. Her Instagram story read, "My heart is breaking. Everyone at the protest today is immensely courageous. My prayers are with everyone. We will get through this (sic)."
Staged to mark the start of the Monsoon Session, the protest aimed to demand nationwide education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET irregularities. Security forces and protesters clashed as the march moved toward the Parliament building.
A CJP delegation met Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday, submitting a memorandum with three primary demands: the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital care, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and 1 crore in compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the paper leak.
Actor Prakash Raj also joined the CJP's Chalo Sansad march in Delhi and waved the Constitution after addressing protesters over alleged NEET irregularities.
Actor-couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh were also among the artists who backed the student-led protest, calling the youth the "architects of democracy."
