Bollywood and singers react to NEET paper leak protests amid police actions and online debate

After Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and several other celebrities, Kareena Kapoor Khan has also spoken out about the ongoing NEET paper leak protests. The 3 Idiots actress wrote, "I've sat with this for a few days, but I can't sit with it any longer," adding that the unheard voices of the students are impossible to ignore. Kareena shared a lengthy note on Instagram, with many praising her for taking a stand, while others questioned why she took so long to react.Speaking about the education system, Kareena wrote, "We all know what education means to a child. It gives them confidence...But education only work if children believe in it. And they stop believing the moment they suspect that honesty, hard work and merit don't actually count."She further stated that every student deserves an education system they can trust, where their hard work and efforts are rewarded. Calling the students' demand for a better education system the "bare minimum," Kareena stressed that they were simply asking for fairness and accountability. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) The actress also wrote that when an entire generation speaks in one voice, listening to them is not a courtesy but an obligation. She added, "Our children are watching us as closely as we watch them. How we respond now....not eventually, now...will tell them everything about whether fairness and trust are real, or just words adults use."Kareena concluded her note with a powerful message, writing, "They aren't preparing for tomorrow. They are tomorrow."CJP Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE: CJP Seeks Neutral Venue For 2nd Round Of Talks After Govt's Outreach View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) Among those who have spoken out are Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha, Varun Dhawan, R. Madhavan, Kamal Haasan, Sonu Sood, Dia Mirza, Vir Das, Soha Ali Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Prakash Raj, Aayush Sharma, Rohit Saraf, Preity Zinta, Diljit Dosanjh, Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman, Imran Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Swara Bhasker and Tovino Thomas. Meanwhile, veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, along with Uorfi Javed and Ayesha Khan, also extended their support by participating in or visiting protest sites.

After Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha and several other celebrities, Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has also reacted to the ongoing NEET paper leak protests. Taking to social media, the Badlapur actor shared a note expressing his support for the students and urged the authorities to address their concerns. He appealed for a fair, transparent and meaningful resolution to the issue.Addressing the NEET paper leak protests, Varun wrote, "Students are the future of out country. When a student's dream is crushed, it's not just one dream that's lost, it's the dream of an entire family." He further backed the students' demands, stating, "They have every right to ask questions when they feel the system has failed them."Varun said that students' voices deserve to be "heard, protected and addressed with sincerity." He also stressed that peaceful protest is a democratic right and urged the authorities to engage constructively with the students' concerns. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VarunDhawan (@varundvn) He further added, "I appeal to the authorities to engage with these concerns and work towards a fair, transparent, and meaning resolution that ensures a students' protest, the focus must remain on the issues affecting the students and the solution they deserve."Concluding his note, Varun said that every student should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights. He signed off his message with the slogan, "Jai Hind."CJP Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE: 'At Your Convenience, Any Time,' Govt Reaches Out To Protesting Students For 2nd Round Of Talks View this post on Instagram A post shared by VarunDhawan (@varundvn) The NEET-UG 2026 protests began after allegations of a question paper leak surfaced following the medical entrance exam held in May. Despite the exam being cancelled and a re-test conducted, students continued protesting across the country, demanding a transparent investigation, strict action against those responsible, accountability from the authorities, and reforms to ensure such incidents do not recur. Several stars, including Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sonakshi Sinha, Sonu Sood, Dia Mirza, Vir Das, Soha Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Preity Zinta, Diljit Dosanjh, Bhumi Pednekar, Zeenat Aman, Imran Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Swara Bhasker, Omi Vaidya, Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, and others have taken a stand in support of the students by either joining the protests on the ground or speaking out on social media.

Actor Rajkummar Rao sparked a fresh social media debate after deleting a comment about his participation in the song Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai. Screenshots of his now-deleted reply have gone viral, with users discussing the meaning behind his words, especially the phrase "You can never know the pressure."The discussion began after Rajkummar shared a post on Instagram expressing support for students protesting in New Delhi over the alleged NEET-UG exam irregularities. In the comments section, a user questioned the actor about his appearance in the song Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai, which also featured several other Bollywood celebrities.Click here for CJP Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE updatesThe user criticised Rajkummar's decision, writing, "I had huge respect for you man... you lost it with one propaganda song!!! I never miss any of your movies, never thought you would sold off so easily, you were supposed to lead the new generation of artists... instead!!!"So, Rajkummar Rao has admitted that he was pressured into being part of the "Modi Hai to Mumkin Hai" song. pic.twitter.com/PfKgyigdfb— .♏ (@Manthansinh_) July 23, 2026 In response, Rajkummar posted a lengthy reply, but the comment was later deleted. Several social media users saved screenshots of the response before it was removed.According to the now-viral screenshots, Rajkummar wrote, "I can never sell my soul brother. And one song does not define who I am, what I stand for or what my ideologies in life are. You can never know the pressure. I stand for what is right and what keeps us united as human beings. As long as my conscience is clean and I work the hardest nothing else matters. People who know me personally know who I am and hopefully one day I’ll be able to earn back your respect. I wish you luck and happiness in life. God bless you." View this post on Instagram A post shared by RajKummar Rao (@rajkummar_rao)The line "You can never know the pressure" led some users to believe that Rajkummar was referring to pressure surrounding his participation in the song. However, the actor did not explain what he meant by the remark or confirm that he was referring to the song. He also did not state that he was forced or pressured to be part of the project.Meanwhile, Rajkummar had earlier shared a message supporting students protesting over the NEET-UG issue. In his Instagram post, the actor called for peace, dialogue and compassion, saying that a fair education system is important for the country's growth.'I'd Rather Lose My Career Than Losing My Spine': Ayesha Khan Slams Troll Saying She Won't Get Work In Bollywood After NEET ProtestHe wrote, "When young people feel unheard, it is a reminder that society must listen. Every voice deserves to be heard with dignity, fairness and respect. At the same time, peace must remain our greatest strength. Violence, from any side, only deepens wounds and takes us further away from meaningful solutions. This is a moment for dialogue and compassion,"Rajkummar further added, "Let students express themselves responsibly. Let authorities respond with empathy, openness and a genuine willingness to listen. Real and lasting change is built through conversation, not confrontation. That is what is needed now--more than ever. All of us collectively want one thing: growth for our nation, and the foundation for that growth is fair education. Jai Hind." View this post on Instagram A post shared by FPJ Lifestyle (@fpjlifestyle)The protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination have continued across several cities. Earlier this week, thousands of students and supporters participated in the 'Chalo Sansad' march in New Delhi, demanding accountability and calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Several members of the film industry, including Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, R Madhavan, Anupam Kher, Sonakshi Sinha, Naseeruddin Shah and Imran Khan, have also expressed support for the students and appealed for a peaceful resolution.

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has extended her support to students protesting over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Taking to Instagram on Thursday (July 23), the actress shared a note praising the courage and determination of students, saying their voices deserve to be heard.On the ongoing protests, Alia wrote, "The last few days have broken my heart and then mended it, again and again, with hope. Behind every student standing their ground is a dream, a family's hope, a journey of countless sacrifices. They represent not just themselves but everyone who has supported them, while creating a better path for those who will come after them."Click here for CJP Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE updatesShe went on to applaud the students for their resilience, adding, "Their courage humbles me. Their resolve is a mirror held up to all of us, asking whether we are truly listening to the very people who will inherit and shape this country's tomorrow." View this post on Instagram A post shared by αlia bhatt (@aliaabhatt)Alia is among several film personalities who have publicly voiced support for students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak. Salman Khan, Anupam Kher, R. Madhavan, Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Kiran Rao, Swara Bhasker and Aditi Rao Hydari have also shared messages expressing solidarity with the students.Earlier this week, actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi, along with rapper Hanumankind, joined the 'Chalo Sansad' march in New Delhi. The protest witnessed police action, including a lathi charge and the use of tear gas, after which more members of the film industry came forward in support of the demonstrators. The protest continues at Jantar Mantar.'I'd Rather Lose My Career Than Losing My Spine': Ayesha Khan Slams Troll Saying She Won't Get Work In Bollywood After NEET ProtestIn Mumbai, actors Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem and Shalini Pandey also participated in demonstrations backing the students.The nationwide protests began in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and have since spread to several cities. Students are demanding greater accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Dhurandhar actress Ayesha Khan reacted strongly to a social media user who warned that supporting the ongoing NEET protests could affect her career in Bollywood. The actress shared the direct message on Instagram after claiming she was detained by Mumbai Police while participating in a protest in support of students.After Ayesha posted videos from the demonstration on her Instagram stories, one follower sent her a message that read, "No work for you in Bollywood now."The actress did not hold back in her response. Sharing a screenshot of the DM, she wrote, "I would rather lose my career than losing my spine. Scare someone else, thank you, bye bye."Click here for CJP Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE updatesEarlier in the day, Ayesha uploaded several videos from the protest site, claiming that she had been detained despite "standing on the road peacefully."In one of the clips, the actress is seen asking police officers where they were being taken, but she does not receive a response. Another video shows four women police personnel escorting her into a police van. Sharing the clip, she wrote, "Unfortunately it took 4 police women to pull me in. But I ask the same question again, why? Did I make a noise? Did I even start a conversation? Detained me for what? For standing in the road? Wasn't even in the group of 5 (sic)." View this post on Instagram A post shared by FPJ Lifestyle (@fpjlifestyle)Later, Ayesha revealed through another Instagram video that she and others had been taken to Worli Police Station.Explaining the sequence of events, the actress said she had reached Dadar with her brother and a few friends to support students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak. According to Ayesha, police informed them that they could not demonstrate at the location and detained her brother along with her male friends.She further claimed that while she was standing nearby trying to understand the situation and locate her brother, around 15 police personnel — including both male and female officers — asked them to get into a police van. She alleged that they were then pulled into the vehicle and taken to Worli Police Station. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FPJ Lifestyle (@fpjlifestyle)Although Ayesha questioned the reason for the detention, she also praised the police personnel at the station, describing them as "sweet."Meanwhile, several members of the film industry have publicly voiced support for students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak. Salman Khan, Anupam Kher, Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh and Aditi Rao Hydari are among the celebrities who have shared messages backing the students.Earlier this week, actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi, along with rapper Hanumankind, joined the 'Chalo Sansad' march in New Delhi. The demonstration witnessed police action, including a lathi charge and the use of tear gas, after which more film personalities expressed solidarity with the protesters. The protest continues at Jantar Mantar. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FPJ Lifestyle (@fpjlifestyle)In Mumbai, actors including Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem and Shalini Pandey also participated in demonstrations supporting the students.The nationwide protests began in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and have since spread to several cities, with students demanding greater accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

As protests over the alleged NEET paper leak continue across the country, singer Sonu Nigam has come under the spotlight after refusing to comment on the issue during a media interaction. His brief response has gone viral on social media, triggering mixed reactions from internet users.When reporters asked the singer to share his views on the ongoing student protests, Sonu chose not to address the matter. Instead, he indicated that he was not there to speak about the issue. As the questions continued, the singer appeared visibly irritated and was heard telling reporters, "Abhi ho gaya, bas."It is unclear where the interaction took place.Click here for CJP Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE updatesBREAKING : This is shameful Journalist –– What will you say about students protest?Sonu Nigam –– "I am not here to answer such questions" Woman –– I have one question Sonu Nigam –– "No more questions" Propaganda : 100%, Courage : 00% pic.twitter.com/qiCB8L27QF— Amock_ (@Amockx2022) July 23, 2026 Netizens reactSoon after the video surfaced online, several social media users criticised Sonu for remaining silent on an issue that has drawn support from many public figures.One user wrote on X, "Shameless, talent doesn't necessarily turns you into a good human being."Others, however, defended the singer and argued that he may have chosen to stay away from a politically sensitive issue. One post read, "Can't blame him. He was boycotted by Bollywood before he started tweeting about Azan, then his career revived. Now, he need to walk on egg shells if he has to speak about anything, his bread and butter is always on the line."Another user criticised celebrities for not speaking up, writing, "Spineless so called celebrities have zero contribution when it comes to support a due cause or standing up for our students plight or nation building. These truly are jokers who only live for money."Another SHAMELESS FACE OF COWARDICE - @SonuNigamSingh Mr Nigam ये वही बच्चे हैं जो आपके गाने हिट बनाते हैं । दुबई में रहने से शायद आपको इनकी पीड़ा का एहसास नहीं हो रहा होगा मगर मुझे ज़्यादा यक़ीन है के डुबाईवालों को आपसे ज़्यादा इनका दर्द समझ आ रहा होगा। शर्म आनी चाहिए आपको… pic.twitter.com/a96l72kD9Y— Pragnya Gupta (@GuptaPragnya) July 23, 2026 So far, Sonu has also not shared any statement about the protests on his social media platforms.Meanwhile, several members of the film industry have publicly backed the protesting students. Salman Khan, Anupam Kher, Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Aditi Rao Hydari and others recently voiced their support through social media posts.Earlier this week, actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi, along with rapper Hanumankind, participated in the 'Chalo Sansad' march in New Delhi. The demonstration saw police action, including a lathi charge and the use of tear gas, after which more film personalities expressed solidarity with the protesters. The protest continues at Jantar Mantar. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FPJ Lifestyle (@fpjlifestyle)In Mumbai, actors including Ayesha Khan, Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem and Shalini Pandey also joined students in the demonstrations.The nationwide protests began in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and have since spread to several cities. Students are demanding greater accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.