3 weeks ago
Sonu Nigam Explains NEET Protest Silence: 'Taken Enough Stands'
Sonu Nigam is a famous Indian singer.
Some students were upset about a big test called NEET, and people in Delhi were protesting over a suspected paper leak.
Reporters asked Sonu about the protests at an event, but he did not want to answer.
A video of him looking upset went online.
Many people were unhappy and said he should support the students.
Later, he explained why he stayed quiet.
He said the event was to honor his music teacher, Pankaj Udhas, and talking about politics there would be rude.
He also promised his father he would not talk about things he does not know well.
He said he has already stood up for many causes before and has taken enough stands.
Some people understood his reasons, while others still disagreed.
Singer Sonu Nigam broke his silence on why he refused to comment on the NEET protests, weeks after a July video of his irritated reaction went viral.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged the Delhi protest over an alleged NEET paper leak and other examination irregularities.
He told Bombay Times that press conference etiquette is to stick to the occasion's agenda and that discussing politics at a tribute event for his guru Pankaj Udhas was disrespectful.
Nigam said he promised his father he will not comment on matters he is not knowledgeable about, and declared he has 'taken enough stands,' citing battles over loudspeakers at religious places and performers' royalty rights.
The refusal drew backlash from netizens who called his silence 'shameless' and 'spineless,' while others defended public figures' right not to comment on every politically sensitive matter.
- Who
- Singer Sonu Nigam, speaking to Bombay Times; protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- What
- Explained why he refused to comment on NEET student protests, after a viral video showed him saying 'Abhi ho gaya bas' to reporters
- Where
- Delhi, where the CJP protested over the alleged NEET paper leak; the singer is based in Mumbai
- When
- Video went viral in July 2026; his explanation was published on August 12, 2026
- Why
- He considered discussing politics at a tribute event for his guru Pankaj Udhas disrespectful, had promised his father not to comment on matters he is not knowledgeable about, and said he has taken enough stands
Critics of Sonu's Silence
Defenders of Sonu's Silence
Should celebrities comment on the NEET protests?
Critics of Sonu's Silence
Celebrities should support genuine causes and stand up for students' plight; staying silent while other public figures support protesters is 'shameless' and 'spineless'.
Defenders of Sonu's Silence
Public figures should not be compelled to offer opinions on every politically sensitive matter; there is a time and place for every conversation.
Sonu Nigam's record of speaking out
Critics of Sonu's Silence
Talent doesn't necessarily turn you into a good human being; silence on this issue shows zero contribution to nation-building.
Defenders of Sonu's Silence
Sonu has taken enough stands, from his outcry against loudspeakers at religious places to royalty rights for performers; now others should take courageous stands.
Key facts
- Person
- Sonu Nigam, playback singer
- Protest
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration in Delhi over alleged NEET paper leak
- Viral video
- July 2026; told reporters 'Abhi ho gaya bas'
- Explanation given to
- Bombay Times
- Occasion of refusal
- Tribute event for his guru Pankaj Udhas
- Past stands cited
- Against loudspeakers at religious places; performers' royalty rights
- Publication date
- August 12, 2026
- Health update
- Recovered from severe pinched-nerve neck pain; underwent a procedure to remove a recurring growth on his left ring finger
Quotes
Sonu Nigam
Indian playback singer
“Firstly, in the more than three decades that I have spent in Mumbai, I have learnt one basic rule of etiquette for any press conference: always stick to the agenda of the occasion and do not allow the conversation to drift towards unrelated matters. Talking politics when you have come to discuss your tribute to your guru, Pankaj Udhas, is disrespectful in my eyes. I would also very politely expect the press and media gathered there to maintain the same decorum.”
NDTV
“"I have taken enough stands throughout my life."”
news18.com
Sources
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