Popular actor Bhumi Pednekar is grabbing headlines, and this time it’s not for her upcoming films or bold outfits. She has received backlash after sharing a post calling out the foul language used by some of the protesters during the CJP-led NEET-UG 2026 protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The actor took to Instagram to advise the youth to express their rage without using insulting language, saying it doesn’t represent the country’s culture.
Bhumi shared a video condemning the use of abusive language directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the protest. 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. And it’s not just about the office; would we ever speak like this to the elders in our own homes? Can we really resort to using abusive language?”
She added, “Guys, this isn’t our culture; it’s wrong, and this really bothered me. That’s why I wanted to come forward and address this. A country will only progress and move forward when, collectively and unitedly, we discuss our flaws as well as the good things. Our culture and value system form our backbone; we shouldn’t stray from them. Otherwise, we won’t be able to communicate the right things in the right way, and they will never be implemented or lead to change.”
However, she has been getting backlash not only from netizens but also from celebrities. Joining the hate wagon was her acting teacher from years ago, Shruti Desai, who shared how “disrespectful, almost disdainful” Bhumi Pednekar was towards her teachers.
Bhumi’s teacher penned a note and said, “I remember I was briefly one of your teachers at a Mumbai-based film school. Unfortunately, for me, I also remember how disrespectful and almost disdainful you were about your teachers. Care to explain your new approach towards the concepts of respect and responsibility and how your worldview changed so drastically in the interim,” Desai wrote, tagging the actor.
Now, the teacher’s comment section is flooded with mixed opinions. Some are calling out the actor, while others are criticising Desai.
“I hope Shruti’s teacher also comments about how Shruti was when she was 15,” read one comment.
“Made my day. CALL THEM OUT,” a user commented.
“Which teacher would call out a student after they’ve progressed/changed their not-so-perfect approach?” another user wrote.
“We all evolve, even you should! Being a teacher… stop supporting abusive behaviour,” commented another.
Singer Neha Bhasin has also called out Bhumi in her latest post. She wrote, “I would have really respected our dear PM more if there was calling out of the police for openly, inappropriately touching women during the protests, as he is offended by the use of gaalis. He himself said these are kids. But the police are appointed to protect and abide by the law. So why is there no accountability there?”
She added, “Bhumi Pednekar Lock Upp pe bhi scripted thi aur protests ko lekar bhi. Gooda nahi hai toh chup rehna best hai behen (She was scripted in Lock Upp and also about the protests. Sometimes it’s best to keep your mouth shut).”
Bhumi’s comments came when the nation witnessed protests against the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saw thousands of students gather outside Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to demand changes in the education system and the resignation of the Education Minister following several student suicides in the country. After that, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, and the CJP, along with the protesters, is still demanding reforms.
The protests took a new turn on July 20 when police resorted to baton charges and tear gas while protesters were marching towards Parliament. Several videos surfaced online showing policemen in plain clothes allegedly beating protesters, sparking widespread outrage.