‘Gooda Nahin Hai’: Neha Bhasin SLAMS Bhumi Pednekar Over NEET Protest Remarks
Singer Neha Bhasin has lashed out at actress Bhumi Pednekar, branding her comments on the NEET-UG 2026 protests as 'scripted'. Bhasin criticized Pednekar for condemning abusive language against PM Modi but remaining silent on alleged police brutality and harassment of female demonstrators during the CJP-led student protests.
Bollywood singer Neha Bhasin has ignited a fresh controversy, taking aim at actress Bhumi Pednekar for what she terms a “scripted” and selectively focused response to the nationwide NEET-UG 2026 protests. The contentious exchange highlights a growing divide within the entertainment industry regarding public commentary on sensitive political and social issues. Bhumi Pednekar’s Acting Teacher Shruti Desai Recalls Her ‘Disrespectful’ Behaviour After Actress’ Comments on Student Protests (Watch Video).
The widespread demonstrations, spearheaded by the satirical 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), have been ongoing since June 2026, protesting alleged paper leaks and systemic irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 examination. These protests escalated dramatically with a 'Sansad March' on July 20, 2026, which saw thousands of students gathering at Jantar Mantar and attempting to march towards Parliament, leading to clashes with police and accusations of brutality.
Neha Bhasin Calls Out Bhumi Pednekar
Bhumi Pednekar initially drew attention for an Instagram video in early August 2026 where she condemned the use of abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by some protesters. Pednekar urged the youth to express their anger respectfully, stating, "Looking at the videos surfacing now, the kind of language being used, and the way the youth of our country are speaking — the youth of our country... this isn't how we talk, man." She added, "Guys, this isn't our culture; it's wrong, and this really bothered me."
However, Pednekar's stance quickly drew backlash for not addressing the alleged police excesses during the protests, including reports of baton charges, tear gas, and inappropriate touching of women demonstrators. Singer Neha Bhasin was among the most vocal critics, taking to Instagram to lambaste Pednekar. Bhasin directly questioned the actress's silence on the police action, writing, "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)."
Bhasin's comments highlighted the perceived hypocrisy, arguing that condemning verbal abuse without acknowledging physical harassment against students was a skewed perspective.
What Neha Bhasin Felt About PM Modi's Stance on Protests
Neha Bhasin further elaborated on her expectations regarding the government's response to the protests, particularly touching upon Prime Minister Modi. She expressed that she would have had more respect for the Prime Minister "if there was calling out of police for openly, inappropriately touching women during the protests as he is offended by the use of gaalis." Bhasin implicitly criticised the focus on verbal abuse while alleged human rights violations by law enforcement went unaddressed, especially given the Prime Minister himself reportedly referred to the protesters as "kids."
Neha Bhasin's Instagram Stories
In her Instagram caption, Bhasin further articulated her broader concerns, stating, "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)." This reflects her sentiment that the discourse around the protests, and by extension, the government's apparent priorities, were misdirected from core issues of corruption and economic distress to cultural policing and patriarchal reinforcement. Did Dia Mirza Take a Dig at Bhumi Pednekar Over NEET Protest Remarks? Alleged Comment Goes Viral.
Pednekar later also spoke out against online rape and death threats faced by a female CJP protester, highlighting the mental health impact of such abuse. However, this did not mitigate the earlier criticism regarding her initial selective focus. The controversy underscores the increasing pressure on public figures to take comprehensive and principled stands on sociopolitical issues in India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 12:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
