Bollywood actor Rajkumar Rao has become a subject of widespread discussion on social media not because of a new film, but due to a post regarding the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG exam and his subsequent deleted comment. A screenshot of this deleted reply went viral, drawing public attention to one phrase: 'You can never understand what kind of pressure you are under.'
Rajkumar Rao had previously posted on Instagram in support of students protesting the leak of the NEET-UG exam in Delhi. In his post, he emphasized the need for dialogue, respect for students' opinions, and ensuring a fair education system. However, in the comments, one user asked him an old question, referencing the song 'Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai' as an example of propaganda material in which the actor participated, and expressed disappointment at his possible compromise.
In response to this comment, Rajkumar Rao gave a detailed answer, which he later deleted. In it, he stated that he would never sell his soul, and that participation in the song does not define his personality, views, or principles. He wrote: 'You can never understand what kind of pressure you are under.' The actor stressed that he always adheres to what he considers right and what unites people. He added that as long as his conscience is clear and he works honestly, other things do not matter, and he expressed hope to restore the user's respect.
The phrase 'You can never know the pressure' generated the most resonance. Many social media users speculated that the actor might be alluding to certain pressure related to working on this song. Nevertheless, Rajkumar Rao did not specify what pressure he was referring to, nor did he claim that he was forced to participate in the recording of the song.
Previously, in his post supporting students, Rajkumar Rao said that society should stop and listen to the youth when they feel their voice is being ignored. He noted that every voice deserves respect and impartiality, and violence only worsens the situation. Dialogue, sensitivity, and understanding are necessary now. He also emphasized that students should raise their grievances responsibly, and the administration should listen to them with empathy and an open mind, as a fair education system is the strongest foundation for national development.
Student protests regarding the NEET-UG exam scandal continue in many regions of the country. Recently, a march called 'Chalo Sansad' was held in Delhi, attended by thousands of students and their supporters, where demands were also made for the resignation of the Minister of Education. This issue is gradually coming to the forefront in Bollywood: many celebrities, including Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, A. Madhavan, Anapama Khera, Sonakshi Singh, Nasiruddin Shah, and Imran Khan, have voiced their support for the students and called for a peaceful resolution to the situation.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) referenced Taylor Swift's hit 'Anti-Hero' to criticize Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. A video montage was created that synchronizes the minister's footage with the song's opening line: 'It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me.'
The video, published by CJP founder Abidjeet Dipke, displayed a montage portraying Pradhan as a symbol of recurring failures in India's education system. When the song transitions to the phrase 'At tea time,' the clip switches to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referencing his past as a tea trader and the 'Chai Pe Charcha' programs. The line 'everybody agrees' is accompanied by images of current CJP protests at Jantar Mantar.
CJP has been holding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding Pradhan's resignation over several alleged irregularities in examination processes. These irregularities include the leak of the NEET exam, issues with the CBSE OMS system, and the leakage of the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has been present since June 28 on a hunger strike of uncertain duration.
This video appeared several days after Pradhan labeled some protesting youth and CJP members as the 'B-team of terrorists.' This statement drew sharp criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who demanded an apology and the minister's resignation. Gandhi stated: 'Dharmendra Pradhan, apologize immediately to the millions of youth in this country and resign due to your failures,' accusing the government of turning the education system into a 'racketeering syndicate.'
Dipke responded to this by claiming that Pradhan 'has blood on his hands of more than 17 students,' and shared a video from the father of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant who allegedly committed suicide, questioning the possibility of calling his son a 'terrorist.'
