A youth-led movement in India has gained support from prominent film industry figures, drawing attention to electoral rights, education and concerns about the future of young people.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which began as a satirical social media initiative, has evolved into a platform for protests over alleged irregularities in education and the revision of electoral rolls. Organisers have called for a demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah attended a rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on 2 October. Azmi highlighted the importance of protecting voting rights and preserving citizens’ right to protest. A video showing Shah embracing CJP founder Abhijit Dipke also circulated widely on social media.
Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, musician Vishal Dadlani and actor Atul Kulkarni also attended the Mumbai gathering, according to Indian media reports.
Actor Prakash Raj and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee joined a CJP protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on 8 October. The demonstration focused on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the role of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Several other celebrities have expressed support online. According to Mint, Dia Mirza and Konkona Sen Sharma reposted a protest video shared by Azmi. Richa Chadha, Twinkle Khanna, Zoya Akhtar, Shivani Akhtar, Tara Sharma Saluja and Saba Pataudi also reacted to the video.
The movement has received celebrity backing during earlier protests as well. During a student demonstration at Jantar Mantar in July, actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh voiced their support for young people on social media. Riteish emphasised the need to listen to young people and recognise their role in shaping the country’s future.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar also expressed solidarity with students following clashes between protesters and police, while filmmaker and actor Nandita Das spoke in favour of peaceful demonstrations and the right to express dissent.
Azmi and Raj had also met protesters during the July demonstrations. Azmi’s participation in the October rally has further highlighted her continued support for the movement.
The involvement of actors, filmmakers, musicians and digital creators has brought wider attention to the campaign and the issues raised by its supporters.
