Actor Bhumi Pednekar has come under fire on social media after commenting on the abusive language used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the month-long NEET-UG 2026 protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
In a video shared on Instagram, Bhumi urged young people to express their anger without using abusive language, saying such behaviour does not reflect India’s culture. However, many social media users criticised the actor for not addressing the police action against protesting students during the Sansad March on July 20, when several protesters were beaten, lathi-charged and tear gas was used to disperse the crowd.
Her remarks have since triggered a debate online, with several users accusing her of being selective in her criticism.
What Bhumi Pednekar said
In the Instagram video, Bhumi expressed concern over the language heard in several viral clips from the protests, particularly the abuse directed at PM Modi. She said that while people have every right to disagree and protest, the language being used was not in keeping with the country’s values.
“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. We are talking about someone who holds the highest office in the land today,” she said.
She compared the situation to the way people speak to elders in their own families and questioned whether abusive language should become part of public discourse.
Bhumi added that meaningful conversations become difficult if people move away from these values. She also appealed for unity and said important issues, including education and gender-based violence, should be discussed with dignity.
Social media reacts
Bhumi’s video received a strong response online, with many users saying she had focused on the language of protesters while remaining silent on the violence they faced.
One Instagram user wrote, “Would you rather have someone say one cuss word at you or shoot an AK47 at you? It’s bold of you to condemn someone’s language while not condemning the disproportionate violence they had to face.”
Another commented, “Would love to see you speak up when such language is used by our ministers too.”
A third user wrote, “Sitting in AC cars and full on makeup .very easy to give gyan,” while another said, “Another comment read, “Man, what a fall from grace … you are such a disappointment.. i hope karma catches up…”
One user wrote, “Did you ask those in power what they did before the kids came onto the streets to protest? Respect is earned and not demanded.”
One user simply wrote, “I would suggest you stop thinking..”
Another lengthy response said, “I don’t agree to this. What you are saying will happen eventually. The movement was focused on bringing in culture of accountability – which it did. We also provided demand charter. Rn movement is not over. The assurances by govt have to be fulfilled and we are making sure that they do it. All the FIRs and legal action needs to end – so focus is there. Rest will follow. One movement can’t bring in reformation in every sector but this movement definitely has given a hope that it’s not impossible. You being an artist, your role matters to make people aware, which I am sure you’ll do – not just for education but other issues as well.”
One Instagram user commented, “You keep using the word “we” as though you’re part of the movement, yet your criticism is directed almost entirely at the students. You ask them for a handbook, a structure, and better language. But where is that same scrutiny for those who actually hold power? Governance comes with the responsibility to provide solutions. If the system has failed, why is the burden of being perfect placed on the young people protesting that failure? It’s also striking that you have far more to say about the language of the protesters than about the actions that led to the protests in the first place. When the conversation shifts from the misuse of power to policing the tone of those challenging it, it risks becoming a distraction from the real issue. That’s why your argument feels less like a call for dialogue and more like tone-policing.”
About the protests
Bhumi’s comments come in the wake of nationwide protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The demonstrations, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saw thousands of students gather at Jantar Mantar demanding reforms in the education system and the resignation of the Education Minister following several reported student suicides.
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan later resigned, but protesters and the CJP have continued to press for wider reforms.
The protests intensified on July 20 when students marching towards Parliament were stopped by police. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show protesters being beaten with batons, tear gas being used, and some plainclothes personnel assaulting demonstrators. Other videos from the protests also captured some participants using abusive language against political leaders.
The aftermath of the protests has also raised fresh concerns. Several participants have reportedly received FIRs in different states, while some women protesters have alleged that their personal information was shared online. Prime Minister Modi also condemned the abusive slogans directed at him, while stating that no FIRs would be filed over the remarks.
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