Ratna Pathak Shah, Seema Pahwa call out Bollywood's silence on student protests

Ratna Pathak Shah: 'What kind of gurus are they?'

Veteran actors Ratna Pathak Shah and Seema Pahwa have issued emotional calls for Bollywood to break its silence over police violence against students protesting the NEET examination paper leak, questioning whether fear of losing government favour has silenced the film industry.

The appeals came hours after Ratna's husband, fellow actor Naseeruddin Shah, voiced support for students at Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest site. Both actors addressed the nationwide demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led satirical movement that has mobilised millions since May.

In a tearful Instagram video posted Wednesday, Ratna drew on the Mahabharata tale of Ekalvya, who was forced to sacrifice his thumb as guru dakshina to Dronacharya, ending his archery career.

"Now, I know what kind of guru he was. We're talking about becoming Vishwaguru, right? But we can't even maintain contact with our students. We want these students to sacrifice their entire future just so that a few men can save their political power? What kind of gurus are they? It's time to think about that."

The actor apologised to students on behalf of her generation for failing to stop the deteriorating situation earlier.

"We could see what's going wrong, but we couldn't stop it in the right manner at the right time. That's why we've lost the right to guide you. But what we have is the will and the determination to support you. Call upon us, we're with you."

Her comments referenced the NEET examination held on 3 May for over 2.27 million students, which was cancelled on 12 May following investigations that revealed overlaps between a pre-circulated guess paper and the actual question paper.

Seema Pahwa: 'Are you all cowards?'

Actor Seema Pahwa also shared an emotional video Wednesday, writing in her caption: "I'm with these children, these families, this country."

"I don't understand how this will stop, who will stop it, and what can be done to stop it because humanity is over. Just imagine how shocking it is that so many people are still keeping quiet. You think you'll lose some work and your position because the government will turn on you? That's so shameful."

She urged people across professions to speak up, particularly those with influence and public platforms.

"Dial up the humanity within. Look at the children who are crying, squirming, and getting bloodied and beaten up. They're fighting the good fight."

The actor questioned whether fear of losing awards and government support had silenced public figures.

"Are you this scared? Are you all cowards? You should be ashamed. Step out of your homes, raise your voices, and lend your support to the students."

Both actors praised veteran actor Shabana Azmi, 75, who has been participating in the protests.

"I've become a huge fan of that woman who's marching there at this age. Had I not been dealing with my problem, I'd have run away from my home and taken on the lathi charge with those children."

The Cockroach Janta Party movement

The protests are organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical political movement founded on 16 May by Abhijeet Dipke, a former Aam Aadmi Party political communications strategist. The movement emerged in response to remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on 15 May, in which he compared unemployed youth to "cockroaches" and "parasites of society".

Within days of its founding, the movement garnered over 350,000 sign-ups and over 20 million followers on Instagram, representing a rapid mobilisation of India's youth.

The demonstrations intensified after at least a dozen NEET students reportedly died by suicide in the days following the exam cancellation, which became a major focus of the movement's protests.

On 20 July, police used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of protesters attempting to march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament in the 'Chalo Sansad' march. Delhi Police reported nearly 180 people injured, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since 28 June, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He was later forcibly removed from the protest site.

Other voices join the call

Actor Rajkummar Rao also addressed the protests on Instagram, calling for dialogue.

"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."

He urged both students and authorities to engage in conversation rather than confrontation.

"Let students express themselves responsibly. Let authorities respond with empathy, openness, and a genuine willingness to listen."

Veteran actor and comedian Johnny Lever, asked about the police action at a Mumbai event, said his mood was ruined watching students suffer.

"The government should listen to them. I urge the government to fulfill whatever demands they have."

The National Testing Agency, established in 2017 to conduct transparent entrance examinations for higher education in India, has faced mounting criticism over the controversy. A school headmistress from Pune, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, was arrested by the CBI on 22 May for allegedly leaking the physics question paper. She had access to the questions because she was appointed as a subject expert by the agency.