Piyush Mishra joins Jharkhand students' protest, cites pain in their eyes
Synopsis
Piyush Mishra didn't just tweet — he showed up. The Gangs of Wasseypur actor travelled to Ranchi to stand with students protesting alleged JPSC and JSSC exam fraud, delivering food, tarpaulins, and a pointed rebuke to Bollywood for its silence. His on-ground presence sets him apart from peers who limited their support to social media posts.
Key Takeaways
Piyush Mishra joined the Jharkhand students' protest in person, citing the visible pain and tears in the students' eyes as his motivation.
He and his associates provided food, tarpaulins, and financial assistance to protesters on the ground.
Students have been agitating in Ranchi since 29 July , demanding a CBI and ED investigation into alleged paper leaks and irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations.
Mishra publicly criticised Bollywood for not participating in the peaceful movement, saying he felt 'embarrassed' by the industry's absence.
Actors Sonakshi Sinha , Raveena Tandon , Imran Khan , and Bhumi Pednekar had previously expressed support via social media.
Actor and singer Piyush Mishra has joined the ongoing students' agitation in Jharkhand, saying it was the visible anguish on the protesters' faces that compelled him to stand with them. Speaking on 8 August, Mishra said he had watched video interviews of the demonstrating students and was moved by what he saw.
'I did not come to extend my support for any other reason. I watched interviews of some of the students. I saw the pain and suffering in their eyes, and I saw their tears. That was enough for me. I like young people. I sing for them and act for them,' the Gangs of Wasseypur and Gulaal actor said.
On-Ground Support
Beyond moral solidarity, Mishra said he and those with him have extended material assistance to the protesters. 'Apart from this, we have already provided assistance in the form of food, tarpaulins, and whatever financial help we could offer. We are doing whatever we can within our capacity,' he added.
A Dig at Bollywood's Silence
On Thursday, Mishra took a pointed swipe at the broader Bollywood fraternity for staying away from the movement. In a social media video, he said he felt embarrassed by the industry's absence. 'I feel a little embarrassed that no one from Mumbai has been part of your movement,' he said, while also clarifying that not all of Mumbai was indifferent — 'There are very good people in Mumbai too and they are with you.'
His Message to the Students
Mishra urged the protesters to keep their agitation strictly peaceful and free of political influence. 'Keep the movement exactly like this. There should be no misbehaviour, no abuse, and no political interference. You people are very good, you are the future of the country and we are with you,' he said.
What the Protest Is About
Students have been demonstrating in Ranchi since 29 July, demanding a CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into alleged paper leaks and recruitment irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations. The protests have drawn national attention, with several public figures voicing support. Actors Sonakshi Sinha, Raveena Tandon, Imran Khan, and Bhumi Pednekar had earlier expressed solidarity through social media before Mishra's on-ground involvement. His physical presence at the protest site, however, marks a more direct form of engagement than most of his peers have offered so far.
Point of View
Which Mishra himself flagged, is also telling: the industry that routinely mobilises for causes with higher social-media visibility has largely sat this one out.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Piyush Mishra supporting the Jharkhand students' protest?
Piyush Mishra said he was moved by the pain and tears he saw in video interviews of the protesting students. He stated he came not for any political reason but because of his personal connect with young people.
What are the Jharkhand students protesting about?
Students have been protesting in Ranchi since 29 July, demanding a CBI and Enforcement Directorate investigation into alleged paper leaks and recruitment irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations.
What assistance has Piyush Mishra provided to the protesters?
Mishra said he and his associates have provided food, tarpaulins, and financial assistance to the students on the ground in Ranchi.
Which other Bollywood personalities have supported the Jharkhand protest?
Actors Sonakshi Sinha, Raveena Tandon, Imran Khan, and Bhumi Pednekar expressed support through social media before Mishra joined the protest in person.
What did Piyush Mishra say about Bollywood's response to the protest?
Mishra said he felt embarrassed that no one from Mumbai had become part of the students' peaceful movement. He urged his peers to take note while also clarifying that there are good people in Mumbai who support the students.
