The ongoing student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak and demand for education reforms continue to receive support from the film industry. While some celebrities have clearly supported the students and criticized the handling of the protests, others have called for accountability and urged that the movement remain peaceful and free from political interference.

Salman Khan, who has been one of the most vocal celebrities on the issue, shared a second post on Thursday urging students to return home and asking social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end her hunger strike. Expressing confidence that action will be taken against those responsible for the NEET-UG paper leak, he wrote, “Students are of top priority from academic and security point of view. So students, please go back to your parents and homes.” Addressing Wangchuk directly, Salman said, “Sonam, it’s done brother. Don’t take it further. If you want, I will send you food from home.”

A day earlier, Salman had described the paper leak as a “very serious issue”, praised students for peacefully demanding reforms and urged that the movement should not be politicized.

Alia Bhatt also shared an emotional note, saying that the past few days “broke my heart and then mended it with hope.” Describing the protesters as symbols of resilience, he wrote that each student standing in his place represents “a dream, a family’s hope, a journey of countless sacrifices.” He said they are not only fighting for themselves but also “paving a better path for those who come after (them).”

Ananya Panday also expressed similar sentiments, saying that Gen Z is often labeled in ways that are not always fair, but the protests have exposed the true character of the generation. He wrote, “Gen Z have always been labeled… not all of them kind. But maybe this moment is reminding us who this generation really is.”

Describing students as a generation unwilling to accept “it’s always been like this”, Ananya said they were not looking for shortcuts, but asking for fairness to become “the minimum, not the exception”. He said, “Asking questions is not disrespect. Speaking out is not rebellion. It is hope. It is belief that things can get better. And that’s how change begins.”

Varun Dhawan also extended his support, saying that students have every right to question the system that they believe has failed them. He wrote, “Students are the future of our country. When a student’s dream is shattered, it is not just a dream that is lost; it is the dream of the entire family.” Appealing to the authorities to engage honestly with the concerns of the students, Varun called for “a fair, transparent and meaningful solution that ensures accountability.” Like Salman Khan and R Madhavan, he also expressed hope that the movement will remain a students’ movement, saying the focus should remain on issues affecting students.

Among the strongest voices supporting the students is veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who not only shared messages of support on social media but also joined the protesters during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ march in Delhi. He stressed that students have every democratic right to demand accountability, criticized police action against peaceful protesters, and urged the government to engage with youth rather than silencing dissent.

Naseeruddin Shah also condemned the use of force against the students and compared the Delhi Police personnel involved in the action to American ICE agents. Describing the scenes of protest as extremely disturbing, he urged the students to continue their agitation and assured them of his support.

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Actor R Madhavan expressed disappointment over the paper leak, saying it has shattered the dreams of countless students and families. While supporting peaceful protests and reforms, he also cautioned against “vested interests” trying to hijack the movement.

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan similarly said that students demanding transparency should not be treated as opponents. Emphasizing that peaceful protest is a democratic right, he urged the government to respond with accountability rather than force.

Senior actor Anupam Kher also supported the students’ demands, but cautioned them against allowing outside groups to divert the movement for political or ideological purposes.

The students’ protest has also received support from many other film personalities, including Sonakshi Sinha, Prakash Raj, Dulquer Salmaan, Imran Khan, Richa Chadha, Swara Bhaskar, Huma Qureshi, Revathi, Tovino Thomas, Abhay Deol, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and Hollywood actor John Cusack.

As the movement continues, the film industry’s response has mirrored the broader national conversation. While students demanding accountability and education reforms are receiving widespread support, many celebrities have also stressed the need to keep the movement peaceful and focused on students’ demands rather than political interests.