Veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah has called out leading figures in Bollywood for their silence regarding the nationwide student demonstrations demanding educational reforms, remarking that some individuals only choose to speak out when doing so carries no personal cost.

In an interview with Delhi-based media outlet The Wire, Shah addressed the absence of public commentary from prominent actors as protests continue to spread across the country.

"They will do it when their conscience tells them to," Shah remarked.

"There is a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can't bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark."

When questioned if high-profile celebrities were keeping quiet because remaining silent serves their interests, Shah responded, "Absolutely. And how long can they do that? Time will tell."

A day before his interview, Shah released a video message voicing strong support for the students and criticizing the authorities' handling of the demonstrators.

"I want to tell all these children not to lose hope," he said. "Many people sympathise with you. Many people are with you. Keep fighting."

Directing his closing words at the administration, the actor stated, "Sab yaad rakha jayega" ("Everything shall be remembered").

A number of prominent film personalities—including Ratna Pathak Shah, Shabana Azmi, Dia Mirza, Swara Bhasker, Prakash Raj, Diljit Dosanjh, and Vir Das—have also publicly backed the student movement.

The ongoing demonstrations centered at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar gained additional traction following an indefinite hunger strike launched by environmentalist and educator Sonam Wangchuk.

Protesters are pressing for direct dialogue with the central government while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks in the NEET-UG examination and other reported testing irregularities.

With Inputs from UNB