New Delhi: After facing backlash from students for his inaction as chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India, actor R Madhavan has broken his silence. In a social media post, Madhavan expressed his support for students protesting the NEET paper leak across the nation while urging the government to take strict action against those responsible.
In an Instagram story, Madhavan said he shared the concern and disappointment of students and parents affected by the controversy.
“As someone who has always believed in the limitless potential of India’s youth, I share the concern and disappointment felt by so many students and parents today. An education system must inspire confidence, fairness, and opportunity. Incidents such as examination paper leaks undermine that trust and can deeply affect the hopes, hard work, and dreams of countless young people and their families, especially in a country like India, where education plays such a defining role in shaping lives,” he wrote.
Madhavan also urged the government to ensure that those responsible face swift and decisive action.
“I urge the government to ensure that every individual found responsible is brought to justice swiftly and decisively. Let the consequences be so firm and unambiguous that no one ever dares to jeopardise the future of our youth again,” he added.
The actor acknowledged the many lapses in the system, but expressed his continued confidence in the government’s ability to prevent such incidents in the future. He went on to encourage students to continue to work hard and “believe in yourself and never allow temporary setbacks to define your future.”
Madhavan also appealed to the protesters to remain focused on their demands and be wary of attempts to politicise or exploit the movement.
“I admire the grit and determination of those who are peacefully asking for meaningful reforms. At the same time, I would urge everyone to remain vigilant against vested interests that may attempt to hijack your cause and divert it from its true purpose,” he wrote.
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Fans, however, were quick to comment that Madhavan only extended his support after facing criticism. One comment read, “Hmm?” Really? Now? After all this time?”
Another comment called it “bland” and a “PR stunt,” others still recommended he watch movies such as Rang de Basanti (2006) and 3 Idiots (2009), both films he has starred in.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)