It\'s nice to see people speak their mind: Deepika Padukone

New Delhi: Actress Deepika Padukone has added her voice, albeit tentatively, to the Bollywood celebs speaking up for students protesting on campuses across the country. Promoting her new film, the star told a television channel that it is heartening to her to see people come out and raise their voice without fear.

The 34-year-old actor, who is in the capital to promote her upcoming release Chhapaak, said it is necessary for people to express their point of view. “I feel proud to see that we aren't scared to express ourselves... I think the fact that we are thinking about the country and its future.... whatever may be our point of view, it's nice to see," Deepika told NDTV India.

“I feel proud that people are coming out -- be it on the streets or wherever they are -- they are raising their voices and expressing themselves. If we want to see change in life and society, it is important that a point of view be put forward," she said.

Chhapaak, directed by Meghna Gulzar, releases countrywide on Friday.

On Monday night, Bollywood celebrities such as directors Vishal Bhardwaj, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and actors Taapsee Pannu and Richa Chadha turned up at Carter Road in Mumbai in solidarity with those protesting against the attack on JNU students.

In a peaceful gathering of hundreds, the film fraternity was at the forefront with prominent personalities, including actors Swara Bhasker, Dia Mirza and Ali Fazal as well as Sudhir Mishra, Anubhav Sinha, Rahul Dholakia and Neeraj Ghaywan.

However, none of the Bollywood biggies -- Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan among others -- have reacted on the ongoing protests.