Sonu Nigam explains why he refused to comment on NEET paper leak protests: ‘Gave a word to my father not to…’

Sonu Nigam clarified his decision to avoid commenting on the NEET protests, emphasising respect for the event's agenda and his father's wishes.

In July, Sonu Nigam attended an event where he was asked about his views on the protests over the NEET paper leak. However, the singer declined to comment, sparking a debate on social media over whether he should have addressed the issue. Now, in an interview with Bombay Times, Sonu has explained his decision, saying it was less about avoiding a difficult question and more about choosing when and what he should speak about.

Sonu Nigam explains his silence over the NEET paper leak protest.

Sonu Nigam explains not commenting on NEET paper leak protest

Sonu said that after spending more than three decades in Mumbai, he had learnt a basic etiquette for press conferences: sticking to the agenda of the occasion and avoiding unrelated topics. He said, “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. I have also given a word to my father to not comment on just anything which I’m not knowledgeable about.”

The singer added, “I don’t have social media on my phone. My life is about music and Bhakti. I have taken enough stands throughout my life and have been instrumental in bringing many mammoth changes in the system. From my outcry against loudspeakers on religious places to the right to royalty for performers, I have belled the cat alone bravely. Now let others take up new courageous stands and see what changes they can bring through their steadfastness. Let them become real warriors and not just social media lampoons.”

Several celebrities, including Huma Qureshi, Sonakshi Sinha, Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt, had expressed support for students protesting at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On July 25, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.

About Sonu Nigam’s upcoming work

Sonu most recently lent his voice to the song Tabassum from Batwara 1947. Composed by AR Rahman and written by Javed Akhtar, the song is picturised on Ali Fazal, Isha Sandhir, Karan Deol and Kanikka Kapur. Helmed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film also stars Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Preity Zinta and others in key roles. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on August 14.

Meanwhile, Sonu is set to perform live at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on August 30 as part of his Revolution Tour.