Salman Khan backs students' movement, urges education reforms in India

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has voiced support for the ongoing student movement in India, praising the protesters' peaceful and united stand against alleged exam paper leaks while urging authorities to address their demands.

In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday (July 22), Salman said he was saddened that a peaceful protest had turned violent and expressed condolences to the injured students and their families.

Describing exam paper leaks as a "serious issue," the actor said the students' united call for a transparent and improved education system reflects their commitment to building a better future through hard work and merit.

He added that the students' courage, discipline and determination were inspiring, saying the younger generation's concern for education would help build a stronger India.

Salman also urged that the movement should not be exploited for political purposes.

"This is an issue between students and the education system. The credit belongs entirely to the students. I believe the government will seriously consider their demands and take the necessary steps to strengthen the education system for everyone's benefit," he said.

Several prominent Indian celebrities, including Hrithik Roshan, Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sonakshi Sinha, Ratna Pathak Shah, Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, Tovino Thomas and Atul Kulkarni, have also expressed solidarity with the student movement.

The protests began over allegations of exam paper leaks and irregularities in recruitment examinations, later expanding into a broader campaign demanding education reforms and the resignation of India's education minister. The movement intensified after police used force to disperse demonstrators during the "Chalo Sansad" march in New Delhi.