SerpApi.Org
Singer Sonu Nigam appeared visibly irritated when asked about the ongoing student protests over irregularities in the NEET examination, refusing to answer questions from reporters during a recent media interaction. A video of the exchange has since gone viral on social media, triggering mixed reactions online.
In the clip, a journalist asks Sonu for his views on the student protests, but the singer responds, "Main yahaan kis liye aaya hoon. Bas...bas...bas (Why have I come here? That's it... enough... enough)." As more questions follow, he cuts the interaction short, saying, "Ab ho gaya bas (It's done now, that's it)." While the exact time and location of the interaction remain unclear, the video has drawn both criticism and support online.
A section of social media users criticised the singer for refusing to respond at a time when several actors and musicians have publicly backed the students' demands. Some questioned why public figures stay silent on issues affecting young people, while others accused celebrities of avoiding sensitive subjects. One user described Sonu's response as "shameful", while another post called him "spineless" and said celebrities often stay away from causes that do not directly benefit them.
At the same time, many others defended Sonu, saying no public figure should be forced to comment on every political or social issue. Several users said choosing not to respond is also a personal decision, with one suggesting that the singer may be cautious because of controversies he has faced in the past. One post said, "It's fine if Sonu Nigam does not want to talk on this. It is fine too if he changes his mind later. His choice. His decision to talk or not. Trolling stars or celebs who are not wanting to discuss this issue by media & social media is highly unfair."
So far, Sonu has not posted any statement on his social media accounts about the protests or the criticism over the viral clip. The debate around his response comes as several members of the entertainment industry have publicly expressed solidarity with students taking part in the nationwide agitation. Actors including Salman Khan, Kamal Haasan, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Alia Bhatt and Aditi Rao Hydari have shared messages supporting the students' right to seek accountability and reforms.
Earlier this week, Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj and rapper Hanumankind joined the Chalo Sansad march in New Delhi. In Mumbai, Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem, Imran Khan, Ayesha Khan and Shalini Pandey took part in demonstrations. Other Bollywood figures, including Alia Bhatt and R Madhavan, voiced support later than others and also faced backlash for it.
The student movement, which began over irregularities in the NEET examination, has spread across several cities. Protesters are demanding education reforms, accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Against that backdrop, Sonu Nigam's decision to stay away from the issue has become the latest point of debate on social media.
