Kinjal Nanda: Actor, Doctor, & R G Kar Protest Leader
Kinjal Nanda, a talented Bengali actor and practising doctor, has become one of the key organisers of the R.G. Kar Medical College protest in Kolkata. As protests grow, his role highlights the solidarity of doctors and celebrities fighting for justice.
At the heart of a growing protest in Kolkata, one might expect to see the usual assortment of activists, students, and perhaps a celebrity or two offering their support. Yet, among the well-known faces that have joined the cause is one that stands out not just for his fame but for his direct involvement in the organisation of the protest itself – Kinjal Nanda. Known for his roles in popular web series like The Bengal Scam, Eken Babu, and films such as Hiralal (2021), The Red Files (2024), and Karnashubarner Guptadhan (2022), Kinjal is not just playing a role here – he’s a doctor by profession and, remarkably, one of the protest’s key organisers.
So, who exactly is Kinjal Nanda? You’ve likely seen him in action on screen, whether portraying historical figures or tackling hard-hitting contemporary dramas. His latest casting includes Devi Chaudhurani, where he plays Brojeshwar. I’ve had the pleasure of watching him act, and I must say, he’s one of the better actors to grace the Bengali film industry. But what’s fascinating – and perhaps a bit unexpected – is that, despite his success and rising profile in the film world, Kinjal hasn’t forgotten his roots. He’s out on the streets, side by side with his fellow junior doctors, demanding justice. And no, this isn’t some sort of scripted role – unlike certain politicians who could easily give actors a run for their money.
Let me take a step back and fill you in on what’s been going on. The junior doctors of R.G. Kar Medical College have been protesting for several weeks now. The movement, far from waning, has only gained momentum, with support pouring in from every corner of the city. Celebrities, artists, musicians, and, of course, doctors themselves have rallied together in an effort to seek justice for their fallen colleague. What sets Kinjal apart from other celebrity supporters is the simple fact that he’s a doctor himself, deeply invested in this cause. While others might show up for a few photo ops and be on their merry way, Kinjal is in it for the long haul.
As the protests grow, so does the anticipation. All of Bengal is eagerly waiting for the Supreme Court hearing, scheduled for the 17th of September. In the meantime, the numbers at the protest site in Shastha Bhavan are swelling. It’s hard not to be moved by the sheer determination of the people involved. It seems that this protest has struck a chord with people from all walks of life, as stories of solidarity continue to surface.
Take Mr. and Mrs. Banerjee, an elderly couple from Salt Lake, for instance. Every day, they cook extra portions of food to take to the protesting doctors. They see it as their small contribution to a cause that affects the entire community. Then there’s the humble hand fan vendor, who donated his entire stock to help keep the doctors cool in the sweltering heat. He survives on his daily earnings, yet he gave what he had without hesitation. Common people are even organising fundraisers, showing that this movement has captured the spirit of the city. The sense of community is, frankly, heart-warming – proof that, amidst all the chaos, humanity still exists.
And while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been slow off the mark, we’ve finally seen some movement. After weeks of little to no progress, the arrest of Sandeep Ghosh on fresh charges of rape and murder has breathed new life into the investigation. Alongside him, Abhijit Mondal, the officer in charge of the Tala Police Station, has also been arrested. It’s not much, but it’s a start, and it’s given the protesters a glimmer of hope that justice may, at long last, be on the horizon.
The protests, however, aren’t about to fizzle out– and these doctors are in it for the long haul. They want real answers and real change. With people like Kinjal Nanda leading the charge, this isn’t a fleeting moment of celebrity activism; it’s a genuine fight for justice, one that’s deeply personal and cuts to the very core of their profession.
So, whether you know Kinjal Nanda from his gripping performances on screen or now recognise him as a leading voice in this protest, one thing is clear – he’s no ordinary actor. And as Bengal waits with bated breath for the Supreme Court’s next move, we can only hope that justice isn’t far off. After all, these junior doctors – and their supporters – won’t settle for anything less. After all, you can’t expect a ‘cup of tea’ to calm a storm.
Cover Picture Courtesy: Sandbad Pratidin.
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