Bhumi Pednekar has found herself at the centre of controversy after reacting to the abusive language used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the NEET-UG 2026 protests, which continued for over a month at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In an Instagram post, the actor urged young protesters to express their anger without resorting to insults, saying such language doesn’t reflect the country’s culture. However, social media users were quick to note that she made no mention of the students who were allegedly beaten, lathi-charged, or fired upon during the Sansad March on July 20. The actor is now facing significant backlash online, with many labelling her remarks selective and disconnected from the ground reality.
Bhumi Pednekar says abusive language against PM Modi is unacceptable
In an Instagram video, the actor voiced her concern over the abusive language seen in several viral protest clips, particularly those targeting PM Narendra Modi, whom she referred to as holding the country’s highest office. She pointed out that such conduct doesn’t align with India’s values, urging young people to voice their disagreement respectfully. In her words: “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.”
Bhumi Pednekar compares protest language to how we speak to elders
The actress went on to draw a comparison with how people are expected to speak to elders within their own families. She questioned whether abusive language had any place in public discourse and stressed that culture remains one of India’s greatest strengths. In her words, “Would we ever speak like this to the elders in our own homes? Can we really resort to using abusive language?” She further noted that straying from these values makes meaningful dialogue and progress difficult to achieve. Closing her message with a call for unity, she also touched upon addressing pressing issues like gender-based violence and education with dignity, adding, “We need to move forward together in unity.”
Netizens troll Bhumi Pednekar over ‘selective’ concern
Bhumi’s video sparked a wave of backlash, with many pointing out that she spoke up about the protesters’ language but stayed quiet on the police action that injured several students. “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,” wrote one Instagram user. “Would love to see you speak up when such language is used by our ministers too,” another commented. A third user weighed in, “Respect cannot be demanded Bhumi!! It’s earned,” while someone else added, “Sitting in AC cars and full on makeup ….very easy to give gyan.” “Man, what a fall from grace … you are such a disappointment.. i hope karma catches up…,” another user wrote. One person asked, “Did you ask those in power what they did before the kids came onto the streets to protest? Respect is earned and not demanded.” Another said, “Looks like you have been waiting for the protest to complete so that you can now rate it on its sanity and sanctity.”
NEET-UG 2026 paper leak sparked nationwide protests
The backdrop to Bhumi’s comments was a wave of nationwide protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Thousands of students, mobilised under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), gathered outside Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to call for reforms in the education system and the resignation of the Education Minister, following several student suicides across the country. While Dharmendra Pradhan has since stepped down as Education Minister, the CJP and protesters continue to demand broader reforms.Things escalated on July 20, when police used tear gas and baton charges against protesters marching towards Parliament. Footage that went viral online, showing plainclothes policemen assaulting demonstrators, sparked widespread anger. Alongside this, some clips also captured protesters directing abuses at political leaders. Beyond the clashes, though, other concerns have surfaced from the protests, several participants have reportedly had FIRs filed against them in different states, and some women have faced online doxing. PM Modi, for his part, addressed the abusive language aimed at him and said no FIRs would be filed over it.
