Actress Sanam Shetty has found herself at the centre of a fresh controversy after an appearance at a protest against alleged NEET examination irregularities in Chennai. The event took an unexpected turn when she was interrupted while speaking, and videos from the venue quickly spread across social media. Soon after, Sanam met the media outside the venue and strongly objected to comments made against people who watched Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan.’ Her remarks defending the film’s audience have now sparked a fresh debate online.
Sanam Shetty questions why ‘Jana Nayagan’ viewers were called ‘jokers’
Speaking to reporters, Sanam said she had come to support the students but was upset by comments directed at ‘Jana Nayagan’ viewers. “I came here to speak for the students who are protesting. But I was disturbed when some people here said that everyone who watched Jana Nayagan is a joker. I watched the film too. Does that make me a joker? What is wrong with spending one day watching ‘Jana Nayagan’? If this is a democratic protest, shouldn’t everyone’s opinion be heard?” she asked. Her comments have since become one of the most discussed moments from the protest.
Actress also refers to filmmaker Vetrimaaran during her response
Sanam further questioned the logic behind mocking cinema lovers and also mentioned filmmaker Vetrimaaran while making her point. “Vetrimaaran sir also came here and spoke. He has directed so many films. Does that make him a joker too? I was not allowed to complete my speech. They took away the microphone and sent me out. Is this what democracy means?” she said. She also said the protest was being driven by a political agenda and not focused on the students’ issues. Her comments have since drawn a torrent of reactions, with many supporting her right to express her views and others condemning her remarks.
Sanam Shetty’s viral statements fuel fresh online debate over protest and film fans
The incident has now become a major talking point across social media, with clips of Sanam Shetty’s interaction being widely shared. Although there were people who loved her for defending the right of movie fans to see ‘Jana Nayagan’ without any criticism, others did not agree with her on her comment about the protest. With the discussion still continuing, the actress’s response has done nothing but fuel the existing controversy, keeping the protest and ‘Jana Nayagan’ in focus.
