Several Bollywood celebrities strongly criticize Modi govt over student protests in India
New Delhi: Several Bollywood celebrities have strongly criticized the Modi government over the student protests in India and the action taken by the police against the protesters in New Delhi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, senior actor Naseeruddin Shah strongly in a video message supported the students and severely criticized the government and the police. He said he has complete sympathy for the protesting students and appreciates their bravery. He urged the students not to despair and said that the use of force by the police will be remembered in history.
Renowned actress Shabana Azmi said that peaceful protest is the constitutional right of every citizen and the government should listen to the demands of the students instead of suppressing their voices.
Actor Prakash Raj participated in the protest, holding a copy of the Indian Constitution in his hand, and said he will always stand with the youth in their struggle for the future.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap said the police unnecessarily used force, adding dissent cannot be made a crime.
Actress Pooja Bhatt condemned the use of force against the students and said state violence is often justified in the name of maintaining law and order, which is regrettable.
Sonakshi Sinha expressed regret over the violent incidents that took place during the protest, while Aditi Rao Hydari demanded a dialogue with the government, saying that compassion and respect should be shown to the students beyond politics.
Actress Preity Zinta also expressed her condolences to Sonam Wangchuck and the protest. She issued a message on X in support of the students. She also appealed to Wangchuk to end the hunger strike, as well as urged the Indian government to initiate meaningful dialogue with students and social activists. She said this struggle is for the youth and future of India.
Actor Sonu Sood said that the government should embrace the students with open hearts, not with sticks, while Dia Mirza demanded transparency and reforms in the education system.
Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh in a joint statement said the youth of India have the right to raise their voices without fear because they are the architects of the country’s future.
Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh also criticized the police action and said that the government should listen to the students instead of suppressing their voices. He said that they expect to be declared enemies of the country once again, as happened for supporting the farmers’ movement.
Huma Qureshi, Soha Ali Khan, Richa Chadha, Bhumi Pednekar, Swara Bhaskar and other artists also supported the protesters and criticized the police action.
