Actor Sanam Shetty was interrupted and had the microphone taken away while addressing an anti-NEET protest held at Balan Illam in Chennai on Friday, triggering a heated exchange with sections of the audience. Following the incident, Shetty alleged that the event was being driven by a political agenda rather than student welfare and described it as a “fake protest.”
Shetty had been invited to speak at the demonstration, which was organised in support of students opposing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
“This Is a Students’ Protest”
Beginning her speech, Shetty said she had attended the event solely to support students. She tried to find out who the audience comprised of and stated that she was not in sync with the speeches and narrative/agenda of the previous speakers and yet she made it to the stage to make her point. She then continued saying, “I am a die-hard fan of Thalapathy Vijay. I watched his film only yesterday,” she said before being interrupted by sections of the audience.
”நான் தளபதியோட பெரிய ஃபேன்..”
நிறுத்தப்பட்ட நடிகை சனம் ஷெட்டி பேச்சு.. போராட்டத்தில் பரபரப்பு#Chennai | #SanamShetty | #Protest pic.twitter.com/5XKh9nYJ70
— PttvOnlinenews (@PttvNewsX) July 24, 2026
As slogans and objections grew louder, Shetty asserted that the platform should not be used for political purposes.
“This is a students’ protest. Whoever wants to use this stage for political agendas are the real jokers, not us.”
She also stressed that she had come to express only her personal views.
“When an organic student protest happens, I will speak only for the students. I will express only my organic views. Nobody sent me here. I came here on my own.”
However, before she could continue, members of the audience raised slogans, including repeated chants of “Inquilab Zindabad” and slogans in support of student organisations. Amid the commotion, the microphone was taken away from her.
“Is This Democracy?”
After leaving the venue, Shetty reporters and questioned the organisers’ commitment to democratic values.
“They invited me saying this was a students’ protest and asked me to speak for the students. That is exactly what I was doing.”
Referring to the criticism she received after mentioning that she had watched Vijay’s latest film, she said, “They called me a joker just because I watched a movie. Does watching a film make me a joker?”
She also questioned why similar criticism was not directed at filmmaker Vetrimaaran, who was present at the event.
“Director Vetrimaaran is sitting on the stage. He has made so many films. Does that make him a joker too?”
Shetty alleged that the organisers silenced her while claiming to defend democracy.
“They say they are fighting for democracy. But while I was speaking on the microphone, they snatched it away. Is this their idea of democracy?”
Calling the incident proof of intolerance toward differing opinions, she added, “I came here as an ordinary citizen to support students. But I will not support anyone who wants to use this platform for political purposes.”
“This Is a Fake Protest”
Shetty claimed the protest was not genuinely about students.
“They are not fighting for democracy. They are fighting for a particular agenda. This is a fake protest.”
She reiterated that she had come independently.
“Nobody told me to come. I didn’t come on anyone’s behalf. I came because I wanted to.”
According to Shetty, the fact that her microphone was removed demonstrated that organisers were unwilling to tolerate alternative viewpoints.
“They snatched the microphone from me and forced me out. That itself shows what kind of democracy they believe in.”
Support for Students, But Not Political Agendas
Despite criticising the organisers, Shetty maintained that she fully supports students and peaceful protests.
“Students have my 100 percent support.”
She also praised climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
“A huge salute to Sonam Wangchuk. He is at the level of Mahatma Gandhi. I would even bow at the feet of students to support them.”
However, she maintained that the Chennai event itself had lost credibility.
“Today’s protest is a fake protest.”
On Police Permission and Arrests
Responding to questions from reporters regarding protests and police action, Shetty said every citizen has the right to stage peaceful demonstrations after obtaining necessary permission.
“Every citizen has the right to conduct a peaceful protest with proper permission.”
She added that if protests were organised without permission merely for publicity, police action was expected.
“If people protest without permission just for publicity, the police will naturally make arrests.”
When informed that some student groups alleged they were routinely denied permission for protests, Shetty said she could not verify the claim.
“If what you are are saying is true, then permission should be given. I will not comment on something I have not verified.”
She reiterated that peaceful protests should not disturb law and order.
“Every student has the right to hold a peaceful protest without disturbing the peace and law and order of the State.”
Rejects Political Links
During the media interaction, Shetty was repeatedly questioned about her support for actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay.
She rejected suggestions that she was acting on behalf of any political party or government.
“Just because the party I support is in power, people ask why I am not speaking about this or that. The Chief Minister is not sitting in my house. I have never even met him. I have only seen him once from a distance. I have no connection with him.”
She also objected to attempts to label her as an “agent.”
“Don’t create unnecessary controversies. I speak what I personally believe. I am not anybody’s agent.”
She further said she disagreed with attempts to create narratives targeting Vijay.
“People create narratives according to their wishes. I don’t agree with campaigns like saying Vijay is ‘missing.’ Rahul Gandhi has spoken about attacks on students. If you want to know why Vijay hasn’t spoken, ask him.”
She concluded by reiterating that while she stands firmly with students and their right to protest, she opposes attempts to convert student movements into platforms for political agendas.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
