Singer Sonu Nigam has found himself at the centre of an online debate after a video of him declining to comment on the ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination went viral on social media. The clip, reportedly from a recent media interaction, shows journalists asking the singer for his views on the student-led protests.
Sonu Nigam on student protest
Sonu makes it clear that he is not there to discuss the issue. As the questions continue, the singer appears visibly uncomfortable before ending the interaction by saying, “It’s done now, that’s it.”
Reporter: What do you have to say about student protests?
Sonu Nigam: I’m here for my show, not to comment on students, don’t ask me such questions.
This is what spineless celeb looks like !! pic.twitter.com/qFSW1ErAVe
— Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) July 23, 2026
While the exact location and occasion of the interaction remain unclear, the video has been widely shared across social media platforms, triggering mixed reactions from users.
A section of social media criticised Sonu for refusing to respond at a time when several actors and musicians have publicly voiced support for the students’ demands. Some users questioned why public figures remain silent on issues affecting young people, while others accused celebrities of avoiding sensitive topics.
One user described the singer’s response as “shameful”, while others called him “spineless” and “shameful”; another wrote that celebrities often stay away from causes that do not directly benefit them.
However, many others defended Sonu, arguing that no public figure should be compelled to comment on every political or social issue. Several users pointed out that 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.
Its 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. https://t.co/ocMSFJcVKh pic.twitter.com/cFcoi0BvKd
— Upala KBR ❤ (@upalakbr999) July 23, 2026
So far, Sonu has not issued any statement on his social media accounts regarding the ongoing protests or the criticism surrounding the viral clip. Meanwhile, other Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt and R Madhavan have voiced their support later than others and have faced backlash for it.
Bollywood expresses solidarity over student protests
The debate comes as several members of the entertainment industry have publicly expressed solidarity with students participating in the nationwide agitation. Actors including Salman Khan, Anupam Kher, Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh 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 also joined the Chalo Sansad march in New Delhi, while Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem, Ayesha Khan and Shalini Pandey participated in demonstrations in Mumbai.
The student movement, which began over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, has expanded across several cities, with protesters demanding education reforms, accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Meanwhile, Sonu Nigam’s decision to stay away from the conversation has become the latest talking point on social media.
