Kareena Kapoor says ‘I can’t sit with it any longer’ as Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan, Sara Ali Khan back CJP student protest over NEET paper leak

Several Bollywood celebrities have publicly expressed support for students participating in the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Varun Dhawan becoming the latest high-profile names to speak out.

Taking to social media, the actors urged authorities to listen to students' concerns and ensure that the country's education system remains transparent, fair and accountable. Their statements come as the demonstrations continue to gather momentum across the country.

Kareena Kapoor Khan revealed that she had spent several days reflecting before deciding to address the issue publicly. In an emotional Instagram post, she said the voices of young people could no longer be ignored.

"I've sat with this for a few days, but I can't sit with it any longer. The voices of so many young people asking to be heard are impossible to ignore... and they shouldn't be. We all know what education means to a child. It gives them confidence. It gives them hope. It gives families proof that tomorrow can be better than today. But education only works if children believe in it. And they stop believing the moment they suspect that honesty, hard work and merit don't actually count."

The actor stressed that every student deserves an education system built on trust and equal opportunity. "No child should have to wonder if their effort will be enough. They deserve a system they can trust, where merit is real, effort is rewarded, and every child starts on equal footing. That isn't a lot to ask. It's the bare minimum.

When an entire generation speaks with one voice about its own future, listening isn't a courtesy we extend. It's an obligation we owe them. 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. They are not preparing for tomorrow. They are tomorrow."

What did Varun Dhawan say?

Varun Dhawan echoed similar concerns, describing students as the nation's future and urging authorities to engage meaningfully with their demands.

"Students are the future of our 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. They have every right to ask questions when they feel the system has failed them. Their voices deserve to be heard, protected, and addressed with sincerity. I appeal to the authorities to engage with these concerns and work towards a fair, transparent, and meaningful resolution that ensures accountability."

He also appealed for the movement to remain centred on the issues affecting students.

"I also sincerely hope this remains a students' protest, the focus must remain on the issues affecting the students and the solutions they deserve. Peaceful protest is a democratic right, and every student should be allowed to exercise..."

Sara Ali Khan called the student movement a reminder of the country's democratic values and praised the determination shown by young protesters.

"Our students are our future and their future tugs at the very heart of our nation. Their resolve burns like a quiet, unquenchable flame that brings tears to my eyes, reminding us that true patriotism beats in the brave hearts of those who dare to stand up for what they believe in."

She also expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.

"We must listen to them with open hearts, care deeply and walk beside them. Their dreams are woven into ours. Our dreams live in theirs. As an optimistic patriot, I have immense faith that our government will deliver justice. Jai Hind."

Ananya Panday used her post to defend Generation Z against common stereotypes, arguing that young people are demanding fairness rather than special treatment.

"Gen Z has always been labelled … not all of them have been kind. But maybe this moment is reminding us who this generation really is. A generation that's no longer willing to accept, 'this is how it's always been.' They're not asking for shortcuts. They're asking for fairness to be the bare minimum, not the exception. Questioning isn't disrespect. Speaking up isn't rebellion. It's hope. It's belief that things can be better. And that's how change begins."

Author and columnist Twinkle Khanna also voiced support for the protesters after sharing photographs from demonstrations in Delhi and Mumbai, including images showing confrontations between protesters and police.

Alongside the pictures, she wrote:

"Proud to belong to a country where our young people still have the courage to dissent, to push back, to brave tear gas and batons. The sad part is that they have to."

Which other celebrities have backed the protests?

The latest statements add to a growing list of public figures supporting the movement. Among those who have previously expressed solidarity are:

Veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj also joined the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in support of the students.

What are the students demanding?

The CJP-led protests have continued for more than a month, with students alleging widespread irregularities in the examination process, particularly surrounding the NEET paper leak. The movement is demanding greater accountability in the examination system and has also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Earlier this month, social activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation and began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to support the students' demands.

How did the protests escalate?

The demonstrations intensified after thousands of students and supporters marched towards Parliament during the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' campaign. Delhi Police maintained that protesters displayed "unruly, aggressive, and violent behaviour" and refused to disperse despite repeated warnings.

Protesters, however, alleged that police used excessive force during the operation. They claimed that lathi charges were carried out indiscriminately and that tear gas was used to disperse demonstrators. Videos circulated on social media appeared to show police using batons during the clashes, while protesters also alleged that individuals dressed in civilian clothes assaulted some demonstrators.