Sonu Nigam explains why he refused to comment on NEET protests

Singer Sonu Nigam has explained why he refused to comment on the student protests over irregularities in the NEET examination during a recent media interaction, saying his decision was about maintaining the agenda of the event rather than avoiding a difficult subject. A video of the exchange went viral on social media after he appeared visibly irritated by repeated questions from reporters and ended the interaction.Nigam, who has previously spoken out on issues such as the use of loudspeakers at religious places and royalty rights for performers, said he believes there is a time and place for every discussion.Referring to the viral exchange, Nigam told Bombay Times, “Firstly, in the last more than three decades of being in Mumbai, I have learnt one basic etiquette for any press conference. Always adhere to the agenda of the occasion and do not let conversation wander to disconnected matters.”He added, “Talking politics when you have come to talk about your tribute to your Guru Pankaj Udhas is disrespectful in my eyes. And I would very politely expect the press and media gathered to maintain the same decorum.” In the clip shared online, a journalist asks him for his views on the student protests, to which he replies, “Main yahaan kis liye aaya hoon? Bas...bas...bas (Why have I come here? That's it... enough... enough)." As more questions follow, he ends the interaction by saying, “Ab ho gaya bas (It’s done now, that’s it).”The singer said his silence was also influenced by a promise he had made to his father not to comment on issues he was not knowledgeable about. He added that he does not have social media on his phone and that his life revolves around music and bhakti. Nigam said he had taken several stands throughout his career and had played a role in bringing significant changes to the system, citing his opposition to loudspeakers at religious places and his advocacy for royalty rights for performers. He said it was now time for others to take up new causes and bring about change through their actions, rather than limiting themselves to social media criticism. The video drew mixed reactions online. Some social media users criticised Nigam for not speaking at a time when several actors and musicians have publicly backed the students’ demands. One user called his response “shameful”, while another described him as “spineless” and accused celebrities of avoiding issues that do not directly affect them. Others defended him, saying no public figure should be compelled to comment on every political or social matter.While the 53-year-old chose to stay silent over the issue, several members of the entertainment industry expressed solidarity with students involved in the nationwide agitation. Actors including Salman Khan, Kamal Haasan, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Alia Bhatt and Aditi Rao Hydari have shared messages supporting the students’ right to seek accountability and reforms.The student movement, which began over irregularities in the NEET examination, spread across several cities, with protesters demanding education reforms, accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Apart from the controversy, Nigam has also recently been in the news over his health. He had earlier spoken about severe pain, which was reported to be due to a pinched nerve, and later shared a video of a separate medical procedure for a recurring growth on his left ring finger. He said he was now doing well after receiving timely treatment from Delhi-based physiotherapist Arvind Kumar, who helped relieve the pain within four days.He also said he was overwhelmed by the love and concern he received from people. Clarifying his condition, Nigam said the pain was on the side of his neck and had thankfully not affected his vocal cords, although severe pain had made it difficult for him to sing comfortably.- EndsPublished By: shweta keshriPublished On: Aug 12, 2026 14:16 IST