Alia Bhatt supports nationwide student education protests

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt has publicly expressed solidarity with students involved in nationwide protests demanding reforms to India's education system, becoming the latest in a string of celebrities to back the movement. In an emotional note shared on social media on July 23, 2026, Bhatt praised the courage and sacrifices of the protesters, who have been rallying against examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, and calling for greater accountability.

Bhatt wrote that the events of recent days had deeply affected her. "The last few days have broken my heart and then mended it, again and again, with hope," she stated. She emphasized the personal stakes for each participant, noting that behind every student is a family's hope and a journey of sacrifices. "They represent not just themselves but everyone who has supported them, while creating a better path for those who will come after them," Bhatt added. She described the students' resolve as a mirror held up to society, asking whether the nation is truly listening to the young people who will shape its future.

The actor's statement follows similar expressions of support from numerous film industry...