Singer Neha Bhasin criticised actor Bhumi Pednekar over her remarks on the NEET-UG 2026 protests, calling it 'scripted'.
Her remarks sparked criticism online, with many questioning why she had not commented on the police action against students during the Sansad March on July 20.
Taking a swipe at Bhumi, she wrote, "Bhumi Pednekar Lock Upp pe bhi scripted thi aur protests ko lekar bhi.
Gooda nahi hai toh chup rehna best hai behen (She was scripted on Lock Upp, and she's scripted about the protests as well.
See her post here:What was Bhumi Pednekar's video aboutIn her video, Bhumi said, "Looking at the videos surfacing now, the kind of language being used, and the way the youth of our country are speaking.
Singer Neha Bhasin criticised actor Bhumi Pednekar over her remarks on the NEET-UG 2026 protests, calling it 'scripted'. In a detailed post shared on Instagram, she said the conversation should have also focused on the alleged police excesses against student protesters instead of only condemning abusive slogans directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bhumi recently shared a video on Instagram condemning the use of abusive language against the Prime Minister during the protests led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over NEET paper leak and irregularities in the system. Her remarks sparked criticism online, with many questioning why she had not commented on the police action against students during the Sansad March on July 20.
Reacting to the controversy, Neha said she would have respected the Prime Minister more if there had also been accountability for what she described as police officers "openly, inappropriately touching women during the protests."
Taking a swipe at Bhumi, she wrote, "Bhumi Pednekar Lock Upp pe bhi scripted thi aur protests ko lekar bhi. Gooda nahi hai toh chup rehna best hai behen (She was scripted on Lock Upp, and she's scripted about the protests as well. If you don't have the guts, it's best to keep quiet, sister)."
In her caption, Bhasin 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 (sic)."
See her post here:
What was Bhumi Pednekar's video about
In her video, Bhumi 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. And it's not just about the office; would we ever speak like this to the elders in our own homes? Can we really resort to using abusive language?"
She further 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. A country will only progress when, collectively and unitedly, we discuss both our flaws and our strengths. Our culture and value system form our backbone. We shouldn't stray from them, otherwise we won't be able to communicate the right things in the right way or bring about meaningful change."
Watch the clip here:
Bhumi's comments came amid nationwide protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), thousands of students gathered outside Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding sweeping reforms in the education system and the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Pradhan resigned on July 25, but the protesters and CJP have continued to press for broader reforms.
The demonstrations escalated on July 20 when police used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters marching towards Parliament. Videos shared online appeared to show policemen in plain clothes assaulting demonstrators, triggering widespread outrage.
Bhumi's critics argued that while she condemned the protesters' language, she did not address the injuries allegedly sustained by students during the police crackdown.
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Published By: Anisha Rao Published On: Aug 5, 2026 06:08 IST
