The protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi have been going on for days, and the Indian film industry—often criticized for staying quiet on issues that matter has begun to find its voice.
Linked to Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike and wider concerns about exam irregularities and accountability in India’s education system, the demonstrations have drawn growing public attention.
And now, several well-known Bollywood names have stepped forward — some on social media, some in person — to express their solidarity with the students at the centre of it all.
Zeenat Aman: One of the First to Speak
Veteran actress Zeenat Aman was among the earliest Bollywood voices to publicly respond.
On July 14, she shared a post on Instagram reflecting on Sonam Wangchuk’s then-17th day of his indefinite hunger strike, describing peaceful protest as part of India’s democratic tradition and urging the government to open dialogue. Her post was measured, thoughtful, and generated significant engagement.
Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj Go to Jantar Mantar
While many celebrities have expressed support through social media posts, veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj went a step further and physically attended the protest site at Jantar Mantar.
Their presence was widely reported, and Prakash Raj used the occasion to address the broader silence of the film industry directly. His words were sharp and unambiguous — “History may forgive those who made mistakes, but it will never forgive those who remained silent.”
It’s a statement that clearly challenges his colleagues to do more than post carefully worded messages from the safety of their phones.
Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia and Preity Zinta Call for Dialogue
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with the students. “We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country. Their voices deserve to be heard — loud, clear and without fear,” they said.
Preity Zinta’s message focused on the need for meaningful conversation between the government and the demonstrators. She expressed her “heartfelt and unwavering support” for the students and Sonam Wangchuk while specifically hoping for dialogue to begin soon.
Diljit Dosanjh and Sonu Sood Speak for the Students
Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who has one of the largest and most engaged social media followings in the Indian entertainment industry, posted on Instagram stories calling the situation “unfortunate” and urging authorities to listen to the students rather than dismiss them.
Sonu Sood, known for his on-the-ground charitable work during difficult times, brought his characteristic directness to the moment. He was quoted as saying — “Our students need hugs, not batons.” — a line that has since been widely shared and discussed online.
Other Voices Joining the Conversation
The list of celebrities expressing support has grown steadily over the past week.
Soha Ali Khan wrote about the importance of young people having the freedom to question and protest peacefully. Aditi Rao Hydari called for a safe environment built on “respect, dignity, and empathy” for students and all those seeking to be heard.
Bhumi Pednekar said the students deserve answers and that meaningful dialogue is where reform begins. Dia Mirza criticized the police response to the demonstrations and backed the students’ right to peaceful protest.
Comedian and actor Vir Das used noticeably sharper language, arguing that news coverage was being used to distract from a genuine youth movement and calling on Indian artists not to stay silent.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and actors Ishaan Khatter and Sonam Bajwa also added their voices, criticizing the crackdown and using their platforms to direct attention toward the ongoing protests.
Related Article: Why Students Are Demanding the Education Minister’s Resignation
Where Things Stand
The demonstrations at Jantar Mantar remain active as of the latest reports, with supporters continuing to gather and the core demands — accountability for exam irregularities and meaningful engagement with Sonam Wangchuk — still unaddressed by the government.
Whether the growing celebrity support translates into broader public pressure or policy response remains to be seen. But after years of criticism for staying quiet, at least a section of Bollywood has decided that this moment is worth speaking up about.
As Prakash Raj put it — history is watching.