Top News

'We should've listened when...': Kamal Haasan supports protesting students
23 Jul 2026

Veteran actor-politician Kamal Haasan has voiced his support for the students protesting in Delhi-NCR against the NEET 2026 paper leak and the subsequent suicides of several youngsters.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he reflected on the growing frustration among students and lamented that their grievances had not been addressed in time.

He also slammed the education system for being "rotten."

'Nation has failed when its children are met with barricades'
Education system critique

Haasan wrote, "We should have listened when one child cried. Instead, we waited until far too many of our children died."

"A system where coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and criminality replaces merit is rotten."

He also condemned the reported use of force against protesting students. "A nation has failed when its children are met with barricades and batons instead of answers," he wrote.

Please end your fast: Haasan to Sonam Wangchuk
Solidarity expressed

Haasan also expressed solidarity with the students protesting over alleged irregularities and demanding accountability.

He urged climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on a hunger strike, to end his fast while acknowledging his moral leadership.

"@Wangchuk66, the nation will need your conscience for the journey ahead. Please end your fast," he appealed.

'To children of India...': Haasan's message
Encouragement

Haasan concluded his message by encouraging students across India, assuring them that their voices matter.

He said it was now time for society and the government to respond to their demands.

"To the children of India: You are the best of us. You have done your duty. It is now time for the country to do its duty by you," he wrote.

Other celebrities have also spoken up recently
Celebrity backing

Haasan's remarks add to a growing chorus of public figures expressing concern over the treatment of student protesters and the need for meaningful changes in the country's education system.

R Madhavan too broke his silence, penning a long note stating that he shared the concern and disappointment that students and parents are facing.

Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt have also spoken up.