BJP leader downplays Mohanlal's daughter's post backing student protesters

BJP leader says her viral Instagram post stemmed from compassion, not politics

Published: July 23, 2026 09:20 pm IST Source: THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — The Hindu Bureau

Film director and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Major Ravi on Thursday (July 23, 2026) sought to downplay actor Mohanlal’s daughter Vismaya Mohanlal’s viral Instagram post condemning the Delhi Police’s actions against student protesters, stating that her reaction was driven by compassion rather than political awareness.

Vismaya had faced a cyberattack after she criticised the police response to protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak and examination reforms.

‘Emotional Response’

In a social media post, Major Ravi — who said he has known Vismaya since childhood — described her as a sensitive and kind person.

• He noted that Vismaya, born and raised in Vietnam, does not have much political education.
• He recalled that she has always been deeply moved by the suffering of others, even crying at the sight of stray animals in distress.
• He attributed her reaction to visuals of students being beaten during the protests, which likely prompted an emotional response.

No Political Stand

Major Ravi dismissed suggestions that Vismaya’s post reflected a political stance, stating she was unlikely to be aware of the political dimensions of the NEET controversy or the alleged funding behind the protests. He also criticised those attempting to portray her as a supporter of the CJP.

The Original Post

Vismaya had earlier shared an Instagram post asking: “Do you genuinely believe this is how a democracy should respond to its own citizens?”

The post drew praise from supporters of the student protests, while others criticised both Vismaya and her father, actor Mohanlal, on social media.