Naseeruddin Shah Reacts Strongly After Videos of Student Protest Clash Go Viral
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has issued a strongly worded response following the police action during the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march in New Delhi, expressing anger over the treatment of student protesters and urging them not to lose hope. In an emotional video message shared on the Cockroach Janta Party’s official social media handles, Naseeruddin Shah criticised the alleged use of force against students and said the visuals had left him “filled with anger.”
Speaking in Urdu, Naseeruddin Shah did not hold back while reacting to the incident. Referring to those involved in the crackdown, the actor compared masked personnel carrying batons to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
“Iss waqt mera dil bhi bhara hua hai aur main gusse se khaul bhi raha hoon yeh dekhkar ke humare bachchon ke saath kis tarah zulm ka bartaav kiya ja raha hai unn gundon ke haathon jo mujhe America ke ICE agents ki yaad dilate hain.”
The actor also appealed to those carrying out the action to think about their own families, adding that everyone is eventually answerable for their actions.
Before addressing the police action, Naseeruddin Shah also made a sharp political remark in the same video, saying:
“Agar ek jaahil iss mulk ki rehnumaayi kare to uska dil yahi chahega ki poora mulk ussi ki tarah jaahil, nasamajh, naakabil aur berehem bane.”
The video quickly gained traction online, with supporters and critics alike reacting to Naseeruddin Shah’s remarks across social media platforms.
Naseeruddin Shah Urges Students to Continue Their Fight, Promises His Support
Beyond criticising the crackdown, Naseeruddin Shah reserved the final part of his message for the students participating in the movement.
The veteran actor encouraged them to stay united and continue their protest peacefully, assuring them that many people across the country stand in solidarity with their cause.
“Inn sab bachchon se main kehna chahta hoon ki himmat na harein. Bahut se logon ki hamdardi aapke saath hai… Aap log apni ladayi ladte rahein, hum aapke saath hain.”
Naseeruddin Shah also said that he has always placed his faith in India’s younger generation and that the ongoing movement had only strengthened that belief.
His statement comes at a time when several public figures have voiced support for the student-led demonstrations, making the protest one of the most talked-about public movements in recent weeks.
Legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah shares a video, fuming about the way youth were beaten up yesterday in Delhi. He reminds the government, “Sab yaad rakha jayega”
Thank you sir for your voice and solidarity 🙏 pic.twitter.com/pDmp2G4U3R
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 21, 2026
What Triggered the Protest and Why the Police Action Remains Contested
The controversy stems from Monday’s CJP ‘Chalo Sansad’ march in Delhi, where protesters attempted to march towards Parliament. According to Delhi Police, demonstrators allegedly became aggressive, violated prohibitory orders and ignored repeated instructions to disperse, prompting security personnel to intervene.
However, protesters have strongly disputed that version of events.
Participants in the march alleged that police resorted to indiscriminate lathi-charge and fired tear gas despite the protest being peaceful. Several videos circulating on social media appeared to show baton charges and the use of force during the confrontation. Protesters also claimed that some individuals in civilian clothes, without visible police identification, assaulted demonstrators during the chaos.
The CJP-led movement has been underway for more than two weeks, with protesters raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the education system, including claims of examination paper leaks. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has also been associated with the campaign and recently observed a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of the movement.
Although representatives of the protesters reportedly held discussions with members of the central government on Tuesday, demonstrations have continued. On the same day, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence along with Congress leaders before being detained by police.
With his latest video message, Naseeruddin Shah has become one of the most prominent voices from the film industry to publicly react to the police action, adding another high-profile intervention to the ongoing debate surrounding the student protests and the events that unfolded during the Chalo Sansad march.