03 August,2026 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bhumi Pednekkar. Pic via Manjeet Thakur
Bhumi Pednekkar has once again found herself on the receiving end of severe backlash over her video reacting to the language directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the student protests. The student protests took place throughout the country over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The actor is now facing a wave of criticism online, with many calling her comments selective and out of touch. In her video, she advised the youth to show their rage without using insulting language, as it doesn't represent the country's culture. However, the video did not sit well with users on the internet, who slammed her for not speaking about the students being beaten up during the Sansad March on July 20.
Taking to Instagram, Bhumi Pednekkar shared a video expressing her concern over the abusive language used during the protest, especially against PM Narendra Modi. She said that this kind of behaviour and language is not an expression of India's ideals. She also urged the youth to speak courteously even as they express their disapproval.
In the video, she said, "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 went on to equate the situation with how people interact with the elders within their own family. She questioned the protestors if the use of foul and abusive language was to be brought into public discourse. She said, "Would we ever speak like this to the elders in our own homes? Can we really resort to using abusive language?"
She also added that if people move away from those values, progress and meaningful conversations become difficult. Bhumi concluded her message by appealing for unity. She also spoke about addressing important issues such as gender-based violence and education with dignity. She concluded, "We need to move forward together in unity."
Many commented on her video and slammed her for her thoughts. One user wrote, "Would love to see you speak up when such language is used by our ministers too." Another user took a sharp jibe at her saying, "Lathis, tear gas, pellet guns. "This is not how we talk man."
A user even commented, "What you said might seem like a balanced opinion but it's just the most convenient one." Schooling the actress, another user wrote, "lol. Respect cannot be demanded Bhumi!! It's earned. And, we have seen how he talks to or about all the Yuvas :)"
A user even questioned her take saying, "If you are so keen to speak up, why don't you address the police brutality? Specifically targeted against women. How can that be justified?"
