Singer Neha Bhasin has strongly criticized actress Bhumi Pednekar for her recent remarks about the language used by student protestors during the NEET-UG 2026 demonstrations. Bhasin questioned why Pednekar chose to focus on the protestors’ choice of words instead of addressing the alleged police action against them.
The controversy began when Bhumi Pednekar shared a video on social media expressing concern over abusive slogans directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the protests. In her video, Pednekar said, “Looking at the videos surfacing now, the kind of language being used, and the way the youth of our country are speaking — this isn’t how we talk, man. We are talking about someone who holds the highest office in the land today”. She added that using abusive language does not reflect Indian culture and values.
However, her comments quickly drew backlash from many social media users and celebrities who felt she ignored the larger issues surrounding the protests. Critics pointed out that Pednekar did not speak about the police action against students during the Sansad March on July 20, where videos showed police using batons and tear gas on demonstrators.
Neha Bhasin Calls Out Bhumi Pednekar’s ‘Scripted’ Stance
Neha Bhasin took to Instagram with a detailed post calling out Pednekar for what she described as a one-sided view of the protests. Bhasin wrote that she would have respected the Prime Minister more if there had been equal concern over the conduct of police personnel during the protests.
“I would have really respected our dear PM more if there was calling out of police for openly, inappropriately touching women during the protests as he is offended by the use of gaalis. He himself said these are kids. But the police is appointed to protect and abide by the law. So why is there no accountability there.”
Bhasin also took a direct swipe at Pednekar, referencing her recent appearance on the reality show Lock Upp 2. She wrote, “Bhumi Pednekar Lock Upp pe bhi scripted thi aur protests ko lekar bhi. Gooda nahi hai toh chup rehna best hai behen” — which translates to “She was scripted in Lock Upp and also about the protests. If you don’t have the guts, it’s best to keep quiet, sister”.
In her Instagram caption, Bhasin further wrote, “Terrorizing teenagers and women cements patriarchy and as always pushing the focus on religion or now sankaar rather than really focusing on the deep rooted corruption and economic crisis India is drowning under”.
Other Celebrities Join the Debate
Actor Dia Mirza also appeared to support the criticism of Bhumi Pednekar’s remarks. She stressed that the larger issues surrounding the protests should not be overshadowed. Mirza wrote on social media, “The last thing we should be doing is feeding into deflection. I hope every actor making the time to speak about language would equally and emphatically question police brutality, women and girls being doxxed and harassed online whenever we express dissent”.
Actor Saba Azad also reacted to the same post, joining the growing discussion on social media.
Background of the NEET-UG 2026 Protests
The controversy stems from the nationwide protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Thousands of students gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding reforms in the education system and the resignation of the then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan resigned on July 25, but protestors continued to push for broader reforms.
The demonstrations escalated on July 20 when police used batons and tear gas to disperse protestors marching towards Parliament. Videos shared online appeared to show policemen in plain clothes assaulting demonstrators, which triggered widespread outrage.
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What Bhumi Pednekar Said in Her Video
In her original video, Bhumi Pednekar expressed concern over the abusive language used by some protestors against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She said, “Guys, this isn’t our culture; it’s wrong, and this really bothered me — that’s why I wanted to come forward and address this”.
She further stated, “A country will only progress and move forward when, collectively and unitedly, we discuss our flaws as well as the good things. Our culture and value system form our backbone; we shouldn’t stray from them”.
Pednekar had recently appeared on the Judgment Day episode of Lock Upp 2, hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh, alongside Huma Qureshi as Janta Ki Awaaz.
The debate continues to rage on social media, with many questioning why celebrities are choosing to focus on the language of protestors rather than the alleged police excesses during the demonstrations.
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