Naseeruddin Shah Visits Jantar Mantar During 'Chalo Sansad' March; Dia Mirza, Riteish Deshmukh Back Youth Protestors

On Monday, July 20, the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) marched towards Parliament while protesting for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after the NEET paper leak fiasco. A party delegation met Union Health Minister JP Nadda to press its demands. The march towards Parliament turned violent and many protesting students along with police officers sustained injuries. According to Delhi Police, 118 officers were injured. Bollywood celebrities condemned the violence at the protest, which was supposed to be peaceful. From Dia Mirza to Riteish Deshmukh, actors came out in support of the protestors.

Naseeruddin Shah at Jantar Mantar

Naseeruddin Shah joined the student protestors at Jantar Mantar on Monday evening. The actor stood quietly in a corner, extending solidarity with those standing by a cause. The Main Vaapas Aaunga star visited Jantar Mantar with his son, actor Vivaan Shah.

Naseeruddin Shah joined the student protest at Jantar Mantar with his sons, Imaad and VivaanHe said nothing. He simply stood,

watched, and stayedSometimes, silence speaks louder✊🙌 pic.twitter.com/UKDYUu1Ubv

— Siddharth (@SidKeVichaar) July 20, 2026

Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh back students protesting at Jantar Mantar

Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh issued a statement on social media that read, “We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country. Their voices deserve to be heard - loud, clear, and without fear. They are the heartbeat of our democracy and the true architects of our nation's future. Let us listen, support, and empower them. The energy, courage, and dreams of our young people will shape the India we aspire to build. Jai Hind. Genelia & Riteish Deshmukh.”

Dia Mirza reacts to violence in Delhi

Dia Mirza shared visuals of the violence at the protest on Instagram Stories and wrote, “Today has been a day that has revealed many truths. A day thousands of people showed up to mark their protest demanding accountability, transparency and reform for the education system. A day when the forces that are duty bound to protect it's citizens used brute force on them including women and children in reaction to their peaceful protest. Hopeful and angry.”

Shabana Azmi supports youth protestors

Earlier in the day, Shabana Azmi stood with the student protestors at Jantar Mantar. She was seen with the National President of All India Students’ Association, Neha Bora, and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. During the protest, the veteran actress’ health deteriorated and in a viral video, she could be seen unwell and being rushed for medical attention after feeling dizzy. Throughout the day, Bollywood celebrities like Huma Qureshi, Saqeeb Saleem, Bhumi Pednekar, and Anurag Kashyap urged protection of democratic rights as the situation in Delhi turned violent. They shared their reactions on social media.