Actor Ayesha Khan has responded strongly to a social media user who claimed her support for the ongoing nationwide protests over the alleged NEET examination irregularities would cost her work in Bollywood.
The actor, who was detained by Mumbai Police during a protest on Tuesday, shared a screenshot of the message on her Instagram Stories and replied, “I would rather lose my career than lose my spine. Scare someone else, thank you, bye bye.”
Ayesha Shares Detention Experience
Ayesha had reached the protest site in Mumbai with her brother and friends to express solidarity with students. She later alleged that she was detained before she could join the demonstration.
Sharing videos from inside a police vehicle, the actor claimed she and others repeatedly asked officers why they had been detained but received no explanation.
“We kept asking why we had been detained and what our mistake was. There was no answer and no accountability,” she said in one of the videos.
She also alleged that several women police personnel forcibly pushed her into the vehicle before taking the group from Dadar to Worli.
‘I Stood for What Was Right’
In another social media post, Ayesha shared footage that appeared to show her being escorted into a police van.
She questioned the grounds for her detention, writing that standing peacefully on the road should not be treated as a crime. The actor maintained that she had exercised her democratic right to protest and criticised what she described as a lack of accountability.
Ayesha added that despite the experience, she remained hopeful about the future and stood by her decision to participate in the demonstration.
Troll’s Warning Draws Sharp Response
After posting updates from the protest, Ayesha received a direct message warning that supporting the agitation would end her career in Bollywood.
Rather than ignoring the message, the actor publicly shared it and responded that she valued her principles over professional opportunities.
Her reply has since gained significant attention on social media, with users expressing differing views on her stance.
Backdrop of the Protests
The protests, which began in Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, have spread to several cities, including Mumbai. Demonstrators are demanding greater accountability in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Police have taken action against protesters in multiple cities, with authorities registering cases and detaining several participants during demonstrations.
