Cinema VinesOn July 24, Mumbai’s Shivaji Park became the focal point of a student protest that drew thousands of demonstrators demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET paper leaks. The gathering, part of the Tiranga Morcha organized by Shiv Sena (UBT), featured a vibrant display of tricolor flags, posters of Bhagat Singh and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, and a statue of Meenatai Thackeray.
Among the crowd was actor and writer Manav Kaul, known for his roles in “Baramulla” and “Tumhari Sullu.” Rather than simply attending, Kaul took an active role, handing out water bottles from a box to thirsty protesters and encouraging the crowd to focus on their own voices. In one viral clip, he stepped back when reporters approached and urged students to speak for themselves, stating, “They are important.”
Kaul’s appearance was noted for its simplicity: a black polo‑neck T‑shirt, jeans, and a brown sling bag. Fans posted videos of his humility, with one user jokingly calling him a “real‑life hero” and writing “Mad respect for my goat.” His actions were praised by many who appreciated his willingness to support the cause without seeking personal attention.
The protest itself attracted an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 participants, according to local authorities. Other celebrities such as Atul Kulkarni, Arjun Mathur, Kritika Kamra, Chandan Roy Sanyal, and comedian Kunal Kamra also joined the demonstration, adding star power to the students’ demands.
Students, parents, and supporters have been marching across India, including at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, to protest the alleged leak and call for a thorough investigation. The controversy follows reports of a cancelled NEET exam and tragic cases of student suicides, amplifying the urgency of the movement. The protest’s roots also tie into the political climate, with a satirical party named the Cockroach Janta Party emerging after a statement by Chief Justice Surya Kant that labeled unemployed youths as “cockroaches.”
