Kher warns against outsiders hijacking student voices

Anupam Kher, the celebrated Bollywood figure, released a video message on Instagram on July 22, directly addressing the students gathered at Jantar Mantar. He acknowledged the emotional toll that the protests have taken on the young participants and recalled his own student days, when he too questioned the system.

Kher’s central warning focused on the infiltration of the movement by opportunistic politicians and other external actors. He explained that while the presence of additional supporters may seem to amplify the protest, it can equally transform the very strength of the movement into a vulnerability, as these outsiders tend to co‑opt the students’ pain for their own political agenda. He urged the protesters to keep the struggle strictly theirs, refusing to let cameras, chants, or objectives be commandeered.

He finished by affirming that the youth are the nation’s greatest wealth. Their honesty, vigor and idealism constitute the real power behind the protest, and they must not allow any external force to turn it into a mere tool. Kher promised his unwavering support, encouraging the students to maintain their voice and dignity.