"Dog With A Bone Can't Bark: Naseeruddin Shah On Why Many In Bollywood Won't Speak On Education Reforms".

THE REPORT.

MUMBAI, July 25, 2026 :Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has extended his support to students protesting for education reforms and sharply criticized the silence of several Bollywood personalities on the issue.

In an interview, Shah backed the ongoing agitation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, which has been demanding accountability over NEET paper leaks and systemic changes in the education sector.

"Those Remaining Silent Are Benefiting"

Shah said that while students are on the streets fighting for their future, many in the film industry are choosing to stay quiet because they are "benefiting from the system."

He added that speaking up comes with risk, and compared the situation to a "dog with a bone that can't bark." According to him, those with big projects, endorsements, and government ties often avoid commenting on political or social issues.

On The Student Protests.

Praising the protesters, Shah said the movement was not about politics but about the future of young people.  

"When students come out on the road for education reforms, it is the duty of people with a voice to stand with them. Silence at such a time is complicity,"he said.

The CJP protest, which began in June, was recently called off after the government agreed to the protesters' demands.

Industry Reaction.

Shah's comments have sparked discussion on social media, with many supporting his stand while others questioned singling out Bollywood. There has been no official response from industry bodies yet.

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