Prakash Raj Questions Bollywood’s Silence as Students’ Movement Draws Support From Film Fraternity

For weeks, the student-led CJP movement has remained in the headlines over its demand for education reforms, with activist Sonam Wangchuk emerging as one of its most prominent voices. On Monday, however, the movement witnessed one of its biggest celebrity moments yet as actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi joined hundreds of protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar before participating in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.

While their presence brought added attention to the demonstration, it was Prakash Raj who ignited a fresh debate after questioning why more members of the Hindi film industry had not publicly backed the movement.

Addressing the media during the protest, Prakash Raj was asked whether he was disappointed by Bollywood’s response. Instead of directly criticising individuals, the actor said such moments naturally reveal who chooses to stand with people during difficult times.

“People who speak, the world is watching… who will stand by the people. Simple.”

When asked again about the industry’s silence, Prakash Raj expanded on his views, saying movements like these become a test of integrity.

“It is not the question of being happy. Now you know who is what. Such movements show who has got the integrity, who will stand for the people. People have great voices, great actors… I wish they used it for this. They have not, people will judge. When history will be written tomorrow, they may forgive who might have made the mistake but they will never forgive who was silent.”

His remarks quickly spread across social media, with many describing them as one of Prakash Raj’s strongest comments yet on celebrity responsibility during public movements.

Prakash Raj’s Continued Support Meets Shabana Azmi’s Call to Keep the Focus on the Cause

Monday’s appearance was not Prakash Raj’s first show of solidarity with the movement. Over the past few weeks, the actor has repeatedly voiced support for the campaign, meeting Sonam Wangchuk, addressing protesters at Jantar Mantar and participating in a Bengaluru demonstration alongside Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.

During the Bengaluru gathering, Prakash Raj urged young people to continue fighting for their future, saying elected representatives should fulfil their responsibilities instead of leaving citizens to raise such issues.

As the march progressed in Delhi, veteran actor Shabana Azmi joined protesters, travelling with participants and interacting with students on the ground. Before the march, she shared a photograph alongside Prakash Raj from a truck carrying protesters, while welcoming reports that the government had agreed to initiate dialogue with CJP representatives.

However, the protest also witnessed a brief moment of concern after Shabana Azmi reportedly felt dizzy during the gathering. Volunteers and security personnel immediately escorted the 75-year-old actor to a nearby room, where she rested before recovering. Videos from the site showed volunteers assisting her amid the crowded venue.

Despite the brief health scare, Shabana Azmi continued to emphasise that the movement remained peaceful and rooted in democratic values.

“We are here to hold a peaceful protest. This is a right guaranteed by our Constitution. Mahatma Gandhi taught us the path of non-violence. We have no intention of resorting to violence.”

Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi Deliver Different Messages, But the Spotlight Returns to the Students

Although Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi approached the issue from different perspectives, both ultimately steered attention back to the movement itself.

While Prakash Raj questioned why more influential voices from the entertainment industry had chosen to remain silent, Shabana Azmi cautioned against allowing celebrity participation to overshadow the protest’s central demands.

Responding to questions about Bollywood’s limited presence, she said the conversation should remain focused on education reforms rather than who did or did not attend the march.

“You are only worried about the fact that Bollywood celebrities are not present at the march. You don’t worry about the absence of industrialists and businessmen. When you ask these questions, you are sidelining the cause and creating unnecessary controversy. You should support those who are marching for this cause, rather than diluting the matter.”

Apart from Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi, personalities including Hrithik Roshan, Vishal Dadlani, Sonakshi Sinha and Chinmayi Sripaada have also extended support to the movement through social media.

For a protest that has largely been driven by students and activists, Monday’s march marked a significant moment. Prakash Raj brought the debate over Bollywood’s silence into the spotlight, while Shabana Azmi reminded everyone why the protest began in the first place. Together, the two actors ensured that the conversation extended beyond celebrity presence and returned to the movement’s core demand—education reforms and the voices of the students leading the campaign.