Sonakshi Sinha, Pooja Bhatt, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Genelia Deshmukh are among the Bollywood celebrities who have publicly extended solidarity with students following the alleged use of force against demonstrators during a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest march in Delhi on 20 July. The actors took to social media to call for dignity, dialogue, and respect for young voices.

What the Celebrities Said

Pooja Bhatt, posting on Instagram, wrote: 'When the Police or ‘law enforcers’ use tear gas & lathis against students, it is eventually the state protecting itself. The violence is then justified and masked by terms like ‘law and order’ because crushing dissent preserves the authority of those in power.'

Sonakshi Sinha shared an emotionally charged post referencing 20 July: '20th July…bohot logon ki haddiyaan tooti aur ek Poore Desh ka dil toota. Yaad rakhna.' The post was widely shared across social media platforms.

Aditi Rao Hydari penned a longer note, stating: '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.'

Genelia Deshmukh, writing alongside her husband Riteish Deshmukh, said: 'We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country. Their voices deserve to be heard — loud, clear, and without fear. They are the heartbeat of our democracy and the true architects of our nation’s future. Let us listen, support, and empower them. The energy, courage, and dreams of our young people will shape the India we aspire to build. Jai Hind.'

The Protest and Alleged Use of Force

Security personnel allegedly deployed tear gas to disperse a large gathering of CJP supporters who had assembled in Delhi and were marching towards Parliament. The protest was organised in response to alleged irregularities in the NEET medical entrance examination, with demonstrators also demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Notably, the protest coincided with activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing indefinite hunger strike. Wangchuk was subsequently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi after being shifted there by the Delhi Police.

Context: NEET Row and Student Unrest

The NEET controversy has triggered a sustained wave of student protests across India, with demonstrators alleging paper leaks and systemic irregularities in the high-stakes medical entrance test. The march to Jantar Mantar was part of a broader pattern of demonstrations that have drawn participants from multiple cities. This is not the first time the issue has spilled into the streets of the capital, and the alleged police response has intensified scrutiny of how authorities manage student-led dissent.

Broader Response and What Comes Next

The celebrity statements have amplified the protest’s visibility on social media, drawing fresh attention to the students’ demands. Critics argue that the alleged use of force against peaceful demonstrators raises serious questions about civil liberties. The government has not publicly responded to the celebrities’ posts. With Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised and student groups vowing to continue their agitation, the situation in Delhi remains fluid and closely watched.