Hyderabad:None of Tollywood’s biggest male stars reviewed for this report, including Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan and Jr NTR, had publicly shown solidarity by Thursday night with the nationwide student movement over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
Their recent social media posts concerned a family birthday, the National Film Awards and a relative’s recovery. However, Hyderabad-born actor Aditi Rao Hydari and filmmaker Kiran Rao, who has family roots in Telangana, have spoken in support of the students, as have film personalities from other industries.
Mahesh Babu’s latest post was a birthday message for his daughter Sitara. “Forever my little star… no matter how much you grow,” he wrote while wishing her on her 14th birthday. Ram Charan last congratulated the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards. “Proud to see Telugu cinema being honoured on the national stage once again,” his post said.
Jr NTR’s latest visible post wished “Bala Babai” a speedy recovery and good health. An earlier message congratulated the National Film Award winners and celebrated Telugu cinema’s success at the awards. None of these posts referred to the students or the protests.
Telugu cinema’s national reach has made the absence of its leading stars more conspicuous. An industry source estimated that the sector produces about 240 films each year, while several Telugu productions, actors and directors now command audiences across India.
A senior writer in Telugu cinema called the lack of support “very unfortunate”. The writer said heroes, heroines, directors, singers and character artistes were “worshipped by fans”, but rarely spoke up when a public cause required their support.
Hyderabad-born Aditi Rao Hydari, who has worked in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam cinema, took a different position. “Whatever anyone’s political preferences may be, humanity must come above all,” she wrote. She also called for a safe and respectful environment for students and said, “Our students are our future.”
Several film personalities outside Tollywood have posted messages or joined demonstrations. Alia Bhatt said the students’ courage “humbles me”, while Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote that young people’s voices could not be ignored. Salman Khan initially expressed support and described the paper leak as a serious issue. He later asked the students to return home after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper-leak cases.
Kamal Haasan and Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas also spoke for the protesters. Rapper Raftaar joined demonstrators in Mumbai, while actor Ayesha Khan said Mumbai Police detained her during a protest on July 22. Priya Prakash Varrier also posted a message supporting the students.
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