Diljit Dosanjh Backs Students Over NEET Protest, Says 'I'll Be Called Anti-National Again'

Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has voiced support for students participating in protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demands for education reforms, saying he expects to face criticism and once again be labelled "anti-national" for speaking out.

In a message shared on his Instagram Stories, Dosanjh urged authorities to listen to students' concerns and described the reported treatment of protesters as "very wrong." His remarks have reignited public discussion over the role of celebrities in social and political issues.

Diljit Appeals for Dialogue

Expressing solidarity with the protesting students, Dosanjh said authorities should engage with their concerns instead of dismissing them.

In his Instagram Story, he wrote that students should not have been treated in the manner they allegedly were and appealed to the government to consider their demands. He also wrote that "the voice of the people is the voice of God."

'I'll Be Called Anti-National Again'

Reflecting on past controversies, Dosanjh said he anticipated facing similar criticism for expressing his views.

He stated that he had previously been labelled "anti-national" and believed the same accusations would resurface following his latest comments. The actor also recalled facing backlash and legal challenges after publicly supporting the 2020–21 farmers' protest, adding that there were certain experiences from that period that he still could not discuss publicly.

Student Protest Focused on Education Reforms

The protest was organised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with participants demanding education reforms and raising concerns over alleged irregularities related to NEET.

Among the reported demands were calls for greater accountability in the examination process and action from the government over issues linked to the conduct of the exam.

According to reports, a delegation representing the protesters also submitted a memorandum to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, outlining several demands, including reforms related to the examination process and support for affected families.

Several Film Personalities Extend Support

Dosanjh was among several members of the film industry who expressed solidarity with the student movement.

Actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh publicly backed the protesters, with Riteish stating that young people deserve to have their voices heard.

Other film personalities, including Bhumi Pednekar, Huma Qureshi, Nandita Das, Shabana Azmi, and screenwriter Sutapa Sikdar, also expressed support for the students and called for accountability and dialogue.

Why the 'Anti-National' Remark?

Dosanjh's reference to being labelled "anti-national" stems from the criticism he received during the farmers' protest in 2020–21.

At the time, the actor openly supported protesting farmers through social media posts and public statements advocating peaceful dialogue. His stance drew criticism from some political figures and social media users, who accused him of being "anti-national."

Dosanjh has consistently maintained that supporting citizens' concerns and advocating peaceful protest should not be viewed as being against the country.

Diljit Also Addresses Citizenship Speculation

During a recent interaction with fans, Dosanjh also responded to speculation regarding reports about his alleged US citizenship.

Replying humorously to a question about obtaining a Green Card, he avoided directly confirming or denying the reports, saying he would "take a card and colour it green."

Earlier media reports had claimed that the actor acquired US citizenship in 2022, though Dosanjh has not officially confirmed those claims.

Separately, the actor also spoke about his film Satluj, stating that he was unable to discuss certain aspects surrounding the project and its release in detail.

Key Highlights

• Diljit Dosanjh expressed support for students protesting over alleged NEET irregularities.
• The actor said he expects to be labelled "anti-national" again for speaking out.
• He urged authorities to listen to students' demands and called for dialogue.
• Dosanjh recalled the backlash he faced after supporting the 2020–21 farmers' protest.
• Several Bollywood personalities, including Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Bhumi Pednekar, Huma Qureshi, Nandita Das, Shabana Azmi, and Sutapa Sikdar, also voiced support for the protesters.
• The actor also addressed speculation surrounding reports about his alleged US citizenship during a recent fan interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Diljit Dosanjh support the students' protest?

Diljit Dosanjh said he supported students protesting over alleged NEET irregularities and appealed to authorities to listen to their concerns and demands.

Why did Diljit say he would be called "anti-national" again?

The actor said he expected criticism similar to what he faced after publicly supporting the 2020–21 farmers' protest, when some critics labelled him "anti-national."

What did Diljit Dosanjh write on Instagram?

He stated that the treatment of students was "very wrong," urged authorities to hear their demands, and said he believed he would once again face criticism for speaking out.

What were the protesters demanding?

The protesters sought education reforms and raised concerns over alleged irregularities related to the NEET examination. They also called for greater accountability from authorities.

Which celebrities supported the student protest?

Among those who expressed support were Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Bhumi Pednekar, Huma Qureshi, Nandita Das, Shabana Azmi, and Sutapa Sikdar.

What did Diljit say about reports of his US citizenship?

During a fan interaction, he responded humorously to questions about a Green Card and did not directly confirm or deny reports regarding his alleged US citizenship.