Taapsee Pannu Slams ‘Normalization’ of NEET Aspirant’s Death

New Delhi, February 17, 2026 – Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu has expressed profound grief and anger over the tragic death of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant in Patna, sparking a wider conversation about the alarming frequency of such incidents and society’s growing indifference toward them.

The student, a resident of Jehanabad who was staying at a private hostel in Patna to prepare for the medical entrance exam, was found unconscious in her room in early January. After battling for her life in a coma, she passed away on January 11, 2026. The case has since become a focal point for student protests and calls for systemic reform.

“80 Cases a Day”: Taapsee’s Hard-Hitting Reaction

Speaking to the media during the promotional campaign for her upcoming film Assi, Taapsee Pannu did not mince words. She highlighted a chilling statistic—an average of 80 such tragedies occur in the country every day—noting that the sheer volume of these cases has led to a dangerous level of desensitization.

“There would have been 79 more such cases on that day, not just here but across the nation. I feel very sad,” Taapsee remarked. “We have now stopped giving importance to such cases, and we have normalized them. We have accepted it as something that just happens, that it is simply a part of our lives. That, more than anything else, is what makes me the most upset.”

The actor, known for her roles in socially conscious films like Pink and Thappad, emphasized that the “grief, pain, and anger” felt for one high-profile case should be consistently felt for all.

Investigation and Controversy

The investigation into the student’s death has been fraught with tension. While initial police reports suggested the cause of death was suicide via an overdose of medication, the family has consistently alleged foul play and sexual assault, accusing authorities of a cover-up.

A subsequent post-mortem report from Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) indicated that “sexual violence could not be ruled out,” noting physical injuries and struggle marks. Forensic tests later detected traces of human semen on the victim’s clothing, leading to the suspension of two police officers for dereliction of duty and delayed action.

The case has now been handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following intense pressure from the victim’s parents—who recently protested at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi—and various political figures.

Cinema as a Mirror: The Impact of ‘Assi’

Taapsee’s reaction is deeply tied to her professional work. Her upcoming film, Assi (the Hindi word for ’80’), directed by Anubhav Sinha, is a courtroom thriller that explores the dark reality of the 80 crimes against women reported daily in India.

The film, which features a powerhouse cast including Manoj Pahwa, Naseeruddin Shah, and Revathi, aims to challenge the very “normalization” Taapsee spoke about.

• Film Title: Assi (meaning 80)
• Theme: Crimes against women and societal indifference.
• Release Date: February 20, 2026.
• Director: Anubhav Sinha (marking his third collaboration with Taapsee after Mulk and Thappad).

A Call to Action

Beyond the screen, Taapsee urged the public to stop being “silent spectators.” She noted that while people often complain about the lack of “rooted” or “real” stories in Indian cinema, they often fail to support such films in theaters, opting instead to wait for OTT releases.

“Silence and indifference pose a greater threat to meaningful storytelling—and to society—than mediocrity ever could,” she stated.