23 July,2026 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Saba Pataudi. Pic via Instagram
Saif Ali Khan's sister, Saba Pataudi, has responded after facing online criticism for supporting students protesting over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. After sharing a message calling for compassion and respect towards the country's youth, Saba revealed that she had received an abusive direct message on Instagram and hit back at the criticism through another Story.
Sharing a screenshot of the message she received, Saba showed a response from a user who criticised her for posting about the protests and made inflammatory remarks while objecting to the image she had shared.
Reacting to the message, Saba wrote, "SO much hate...!!! And from a wing commander?! You fight for a unified country? Or divide who to save and who not??"
The story came a day after Saba publicly expressed solidarity with students participating in the ongoing protests. On Wednesday, Saba shared an emotional note on Instagram, saying the issue was not about politics but about ensuring young people are heard.
"It's NOT about political preferences. It's about being HEARD. The youth of our country, our future, have a right to be treated with kindness and respect. Everyone does. It's basic humanity," she wrote.
Calling the visuals from the student protests "heartbreaking", she added, "It's heartbreaking to watch the brutality in which the children of our nation have been subjected to. I pray it's resolved and the faith in our system is returned. Jai Hind."
Her statement comes after the Chalo Sansad march in Delhi, where students protesting along with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said they were subjected to a lathi-charge and tear gas while marching towards Parliament. The agitation centres around alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demands for education reforms.
Saba is among several public figures who have voiced support for the student protest in recent days. Members of the entertainment industry, including Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha, Salman Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari and Anupam Kher have shared messages backing students or urging dialogue. Rapper Hanumankind also joined demonstrators during the Chalo Sansad march in Delhi.
While political leaders continue to debate the demands raised by the protesters, support from the entertainment industry has brought additional attention to the issue. Celebrities have repeatedly urged authorities to engage in meaningful discussions with students instead of resorting to force.
