Indian celebrities have rallied behind student-led protests in New Delhi, drawing global attention to demands for education reforms and raising concerns over police action and civil rights.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
Indian film stars, musicians and filmmakers have publicly expressed support for student-led protests in India’s capital, New Delhi, as demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continue to gain momentum following clashes with security forces.
The growing movement has attracted widespread attention across India and among the Indian diaspora in the UAE, where millions of expatriates closely follow political and social developments back home.
Popular Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, Bollywood actors Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, veteran actress Shabana Azmi, and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt have all spoken out in support of the protesters, urging authorities to engage in dialogue rather than force.
Dosanjh shared messages on Instagram in Punjabi and English, calling the treatment of students “really sad” and appealing to authorities to listen to their demands. The singer also reflected on previous criticism he faced for supporting farmers’ protests, saying he expected to again face accusations of being “anti-national.”
Sonakshi Sinha reposted videos highlighting the demonstrations and alleged police action against protesters. She encouraged citizens to remain informed through credible reporting and called for greater public engagement with the unfolding events.
Aditi Rao Hydari stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for students, urging respect, empathy and meaningful dialogue as the foundation for democratic progress.
Pooja Bhatt described peaceful protest as a fundamental democratic right and called on public officials to uphold constitutional principles and remain accountable for their actions.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi joined demonstrators in person, sharing a video from the protest alongside a reflection on the importance of speaking the truth despite potential consequences. Her appearance became one of the most widely shared moments from the demonstrations.
The protests were launched by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who demanded the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks. The movement expanded after social activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the campaign and began an indefinite hunger strike, increasing national attention on the issue.
According to reports, nearly 180 people were treated at government hospitals after clashes on Monday in which police used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Most of those injured were discharged after receiving first aid.
The involvement of India’s entertainment industry has significantly amplified the movement’s visibility, turning what began as a student campaign into a broader national conversation about education, accountability, democratic rights and peaceful protest.
For South Asians living in the UAE, the developments have drawn particular interest given the country’s large Indian expatriate community. While the protests remain an internal matter for India, the growing support from high-profile public figures has made the movement one of the region’s most closely watched social developments.
As demonstrations continue, attention is likely to remain focused on whether the Indian government opens negotiations with protest leaders or adopts further measures to restore order.
