Writer and columnist Shobad Her latest column sparked a fresh debate, in which she criticized Bollywood’s response to the CJP protests and questioned whether celebrities still understand the mood of India’s Gen Z audience.In her article on ThePrint, De specifically mentioned Salman KhanSocial media message to activists Sonam Wangchukand also for Kangana Ranaut, Hema Malini and Anupam Kher During the youth-led movement. She believes that some Bollywood celebrities seem out of touch with the concerns and language of a generation that has found its own way of expressing dissent.
Shobhaa De talks about Salman Khan’s Sonam Wangchuk post
Salman Khan was among the Bollywood celebrities who spoke about the CJP’s protest over the alleged NEET-UG paper leaks. After expressing support for students demanding accountability, the actor later called on Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike following government assurances.In a message to Wangchuk, Salman wrote, “Sonam, it’s done, brother. Don’t extend it any longer. If necessary, keep your spirits up, which I doubt, and have something to eat. If you want, I will send you food from home. Students, please go back home, to your parents. The Prime Minister has said that anyone who does wrong will be punished…”Responding to the post, Shobhaa De said the gesture did not resonate with Generation Z.“Same goes for Salman Khan. Calling Sonam Wangchuk ‘brother’ and helping him break his fast by serving him a home-cooked meal from Khan’s kitchen has led to widespread ridicule rather than praise,” she wrote.She added, “Maybe Salman thinks he’s ‘cool.’ But Gen Z has rewritten the definition of ‘cool.’ And this cringe-worthy message is anything but. “
‘Bollywood has never looked so uncool’: Shobhaa De
De further criticized Bollywood’s overall response to the protests, claiming that many stars seemed out of touch with the younger generation.“Bollywood has never looked so ‘uncool’. It doesn’t matter,” she wrote.She claimed that some celebrities only joined the conversation after gauging wider public reaction, describing their posts as “ChatGPT scripts.” De also writes that stars who rely on young audiences to watch their movies have a hard time understanding the generation they are dealing with.She wrote: “The stars who were bankrolling ‘Young India’ at the box office suddenly woke up and were ridiculed.”
De reacts to Kangana Ranaut’s comments on protesters
Kangana Ranaut has also been criticized by De for his remarks about CJP protesters. The actor-politician shared multiple Instagram stories criticizing the demonstrations and questioning the behavior of some participants.Kangana described some of the protest videos as “disgusting” and accused protesters of showing what she called “ugliness” and “filth.” Later, when commenting on the choices and lifestyles of some young women, she called them the “gutter generation.”Responding to Kangana’s remarks, De wrote, “And Kangana Ranaut – just this side of ‘aunty’ status – lost the few Gen Z fans she still had because of her vulgar comments.”
Hema Malini and Anupam Kher also mentioned
Apart from Salman and Kangana, De also mentioned veteran actors Hema Malini and Anupam Kher while discussing Bollywood’s response to the movement.She believes the reaction from senior celebrities reflects a larger generational gap between high-profile public figures and younger protesters.
“Celebrities need Gen Z more than Gen Z needs them”
Summarizing her views, De said Bollywood stars should recognize the changing relationship between celebrities and younger audiences.“What needs to be understood is this: Gen Z doesn’t need celebrity endorsements or heroes. Quite the opposite. Celebrities need Gen Z,” she wrote.She added that Gen Z has created its own style of activism, combining protest with humor, creativity and social media storytelling.The CJP protests started over the alleged NEET-UG paper leaks and later expanded into a wider movement around education reforms and accountability. The unrest included marches, sit-ins and Sonam Wangchuck’s hunger strike, making it one of the most discussed youth movements in recent years.
