NEW DELHI — Actor Salman Khan came out in support of protesting students on Wednesday, calling examination paper leaks a "serious issue" and voicing sympathy for those injured during demonstrations.
In a statement posted on X, the Bollywood star commended students for peacefully standing up for a stronger education system, while urging that the movement remain free from political exploitation. "Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know and see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system," Khan wrote, adding that his heart goes out to the students and families affected by recent violence.
Addressing the wider context of the demonstrations, Khan emphasized that the issue belongs solely to the students and the academic system: "This issue is between the students and the educational system, it should not be hijacked politically... I am sure the government will also give them all the support."
Khan is the first of Bollywood's top "Khan troika" to address the row, joining film industry figures like Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and Anurag Kashyap who have also voiced support. His remarks follow a recent police crackdown on students during a 'Chalo Sansad' march in the capital calling for accountability over exam irregularities.
