Indian Actors Support Student Protests in Mumbai

Several members of the Indian film industry supported student protests in Mumbai on July 22, 2026, which expanded from earlier demonstrations in Delhi. Gurfateh Pirzada and Pratibha Ranta joined the gatherings, where students used placards to demand justice and call for an end to silence. Pirzada shared his experience on social media, noting that while he felt "100%" scared to attend due to warnings from acquaintances and later faced online backlash, he praised the energy and courage of Gen Z participants.

These protests are driven by demands for transparency, accountability, and fair treatment regarding education policies and institutional issues, with students also voicing support for activist Sonam Wangchuk. Actor Rajkummar Rao responded to the nationwide unrest via social media, advocating for empathy and peaceful dialogue.

Rao urged both authorities and students to avoid confrontation, stating that lasting change is built through conversation. He called for authorities to respond with openness and for students to express their grievances responsibly to avoid deepening societal wounds.