Several high-profile actors have voiced support for students protesting an alleged NEET paper leak following violent clashes in New Delhi.
The involvement of major entertainment figures brings national attention to the demands for examination integrity and the treatment of student demonstrators by authorities.
The unrest occurred on Monday, July 20, 2026 [1], during a protest organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar. Students gathered to demand accountability and a fair examination process after alleging that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test paper had been leaked.
Actors Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Bhumi Pednekar, and Shabana Azmi supported the students. Diljit Dosanjh also voiced his support following the violence, saying that "students shouldn't be treated like this" [2]. Dosanjh said that "the voice of the people is the voice of God" [3].
However, Dosanjh's position on the movement has appeared inconsistent in public records. Earlier this month, on July 2, 2026, he distanced himself from the CJP protest, saying, "Keep me away from all this" [4]. Recent reports also show a contradiction in his political positioning; while some sources state he avoids political debate as an artiste, others report he is calling for political accountability [2].
The protesters continue to seek a transparent investigation into the alleged leak to ensure that the medical entrance process remains equitable for all candidates.
“"Students shouldn't be treated like this."”
The intersection of celebrity influence and student activism in India often amplifies the visibility of systemic grievances, such as examination fraud. The conflicting statements from figures like Diljit Dosanjh suggest a tension between maintaining a non-political public persona and responding to urgent social unrest. This volatility highlights the precarious nature of celebrity endorsements during politically charged protests.
