CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar has come under criticism on social media after commenting on the use of abusive language directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during protests linked to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. In a video shared on Instagram, Pednekar appealed for respectful public discourse, saying that disagreement and protest should not involve abusive language and that such conduct does not reflect India's cultural values.
Her remarks, however, triggered a wave of criticism online, with several users accusing the actor of being selective in her response. Critics argued that while she condemned abusive slogans, she did not address allegations of police action against protesting students during demonstrations in New Delhi. Social media users described her comments as disconnected from the concerns of the protesters, leading to a wider online debate over the responsibilities of public figures when commenting on politically sensitive issues.
The controversy comes amid continuing nationwide discussions over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, student protests, and political reactions. The episode has also reignited conversations about freedom of expression, respectful dissent, and the role of celebrities in public discourse. While Pednekar has defended the importance of civil language, reactions to her statement remain sharply divided across social media platforms.
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