Cinema VinesActor R Madhavan has found himself at the centre of a heated debate after a photo of his cabin door at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) went viral. The image, which showed the door covered with a “Gayab” meme and a poster reading “NEET for Sale,” was shared widely on social media. The meme, a popular Indian internet joke meaning “disappeared,” was used by students to mock the actor’s silence on the ongoing student protests against alleged NEET exam paper leaks and demands for broader educational reforms.
FTII students, who have been voicing their frustration over the lack of response from the institute’s leadership, used the photo to call out Madhavan, who serves as the chairman of the institute. Comments on the post ranged from accusations that he is “spineless” and “just wants to earn money” to demands that he resign. Some users referenced his recent film work, noting that he was busy shooting for “Dhurandhar 3” and suggesting that his focus on acting had left him detached from the protests.
The protests themselves have been led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been staging demonstrations at Jantar Mantar since June 6. The group demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged leak of NEET papers and broader concerns about educational policy. The movement has attracted support from public figures such as Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, Hanumankind, and Amol Parashar, and has seen participation from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest and began an indefinite hunger strike.
On July 20, CJP activists marched towards Parliament as part of the “Chalo Sansad” campaign. The demonstration was met with police action, including lathi charges and tear gas shells. The incident highlighted the intensity of the protests and the growing frustration among students and activists over the state’s handling of educational reforms.
In the wake of the viral photo, many social media users urged Madhavan to break his silence and speak out against the protests. Some called for a boycott of his films and the removal of his name from the institute’s leadership. The controversy underscores the broader debate about the role of public figures in social and political activism, especially in the context of educational reform in India.
