Summary
- Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has applauded India’s Generation Z after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following weeks of nationwide student protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the 2026 NEET-UG entrance examination.
- Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his position on Saturday, July 25, after sustained demonstrations by students demanding accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and concerns about the fairness of the 2026 NEET-UG medical entrance test.
- Although she belongs to the millennial generation, the actress said the students had inspired her and completely changed her perception of Gen Z.
Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has applauded India’s Generation Z after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following weeks of nationwide student protests over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the 2026 NEET-UG entrance examination. The actress, who had publicly supported the protesting students throughout their campaign, celebrated the development with an emotional message on social media.
Dharmendra Pradhan stepped down from his position on Saturday, July 25, after sustained demonstrations by students demanding accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and concerns about the fairness of the 2026 NEET-UG medical entrance test. The protests gained momentum across India, with thousands of students calling for reforms in the examination system.
Soon after the resignation made headlines, Sonakshi took to Instagram to congratulate the young protesters, whom she credited for bringing about change through their determination and persistence. Although she belongs to the millennial generation, the actress said the students had inspired her and completely changed her perception of Gen Z.
In the caption accompanying her video, Sonakshi wrote, “Sorry what i meant to say was that i’m proud of you and THANK YOU. Brb now… millenial sathiya gayi hai. 25.07.2026. What a day!!!” The post quickly attracted widespread attention, with many social media users praising her for acknowledging the efforts of the student movement.
In the video, the Dabangg actress expressed her admiration for the younger generation. She said, “Brother, you have no idea what you’ve achieved today. I’m an artist, bro, but Gen Z is the art. You know, I used to underestimate Gen Z.”
She admitted that she had previously misunderstood the generation, saying, “I’d think, ‘They just do things on a whim, get tired, and nothing really comes of it.'” However, she acknowledged that the protests had changed her opinion completely.
Praising the students’ determination, Sonakshi continued, “But I take my hat off to you for this. Salute! Look at me now—I want to be you; I want to be Gen Z. What have you all done? It’s unbelievable.” In a light-hearted gesture, the actress even performed sit-ups in the video as a playful apology for previously underestimating Generation Z.
Her remarks quickly went viral across social media platforms, where many users appreciated her willingness to acknowledge the impact of student activism. Supporters said her message reflected the growing recognition of Gen Z’s role in driving social and political conversations, while others praised the students for remaining united throughout the protests.
Sonakshi’s post has since become one of the most widely shared celebrity reactions to the minister’s resignation, highlighting the influence of youth-led movements and the growing public support for greater transparency and accountability in India’s education system.
