Internet gives color to protest, questions timing of Basanti star Madhavan’s ‘safe’ post
R Madhavan supported the students protesting over the NEET paper leak and urged action against those responsible. Their delayed statement was sharply criticized online, with many users calling it too late and too safe.
Actor R Madhavan has finally weighed in on the ongoing protests led by the cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over the NEET-UG paper leak, expressing support for the students and urging action against those responsible. But while his statement aligned him with protesters’ demands for accountability, social media users immediately questioned its timing, with many saying the actor spoke “too late” and accusing him of “playing it safe.”
Madhavan, who is also the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), shared a long note on Thursday, days after FTII students criticized his silence on the issue.
In his statement, the devil The actor wrote, “Education has the power to shape the future of our nation, and every student deserves a system that is fair, transparent and based on merit. As someone who has always believed in the limitless potential of India’s youth, I share the concern and disappointment felt by so many students and parents today.”
He said that “an education system should inspire confidence, fairness and opportunity” and added that incidents such as the paper leak “undermine that confidence”. Madhavan also urged the government to “ensure that everyone found responsible is swiftly and decisively brought to justice.”
See his post here:
However, the post drew mixed reactions online, with many users arguing that the statement came after several weeks of nationwide protests.
One user wrote, “Hmm? Really? Now? After so long?” Another commented, “Really playing it too safe. Can’t believe I idolized you as a teen.”
A third user posted, “How does it feel to live without a spine, @actormaddy?” While another wrote, “I’m so proud of you! You managed to walk for so long without a spine! I’m so proud!!”
Read some comments here:
Some people questioned the tone of the statement rather than its timing. One comment read, “I’m a fan of @actormaddy. But what you just posted is like demanding accountability, without asking any tough questions. We understand you love this government, but as a public figure please ask tough questions. Demand serious action.”
When the post was shared, other people drew attention to it. One user wrote, “Just a few minutes after the PM’s statement.” Many others simply commented, “Too late brother, too late.” Another quipped, “I recommend you to watch this amazing movie – ‘Rang De Basanti’,” while a user explained the mood, writing, “It’s a little late to the party, better late than never.”
Read some comments here:
Madhavan joins the growing list of film personalities who have publicly expressed support for the students in recent times. Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Alia Bhatt including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, Dulquer Salmaan, Sonakshi Sinha, Imran Khan, Richa Chadha, Swara Bhaskar, Huma Qureshi, Revathi, Tovino Thomas, Abhay Deol and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap have spoken on this issue.
Protests in Delhi intensified earlier this week when thousands of students and supporters responded to CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak and other alleged irregularities in the examination system.
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