Actor Raghav Juyal has found himself at the centre of another social media storm after a video from the promotional event of his upcoming film Bhai Tera Star Hai went viral. During a media interaction in Jaipur, the actor was questioned about his silence on the ongoing student protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police crackdown at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. His response to the reporter has since sparked widespread debate online, with many users hailing him as the “OG Cockroach.”
The exchange took place while Raghav was promoting his upcoming film alongside his co-stars. As the interaction progressed, a reporter abruptly shifted the conversation from the film to the nationwide protests and asked why the actor had not spoken publicly about the issue. The question appeared to catch Raghav off guard.
Instead of offering a direct opinion on the protests, Raghav questioned the timing of the query. He asked the reporter why such a politically charged issue was being raised during a promotional event for a film, suggesting that the interaction was meant to focus on the project rather than unrelated current affairs. The actor maintained that he had come to speak about his film and believed the discussion should remain centred on cinema.
The brief exchange quickly spread across social media platforms, where users offered sharply divided opinions. Some criticised Raghav for refusing to comment on an issue affecting millions of students, arguing that celebrities with a large public following have a responsibility to speak on important social matters. Others defended him, saying actors should not be compelled to share opinions on every political or social issue simply because they are in the public eye.
Amid the online debate, a section of the internet began referring to Raghav as the “OG Cockroach”—a reference to the youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has spearheaded protests demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities. While some users employed the phrase sarcastically, others used it to suggest that the actor had cleverly turned the conversation back on the reporter rather than allowing himself to be cornered into making a statement.
The incident comes just days after Raghav made headlines for another promotional interview, in which he initially described YouTube as “stupid” before clarifying that he was referring to people’s perception of the platform rather than YouTube itself. That exchange with co-star Niharika NM also went viral, drawing mixed reactions online.
The student movement has become one of the country’s biggest public discussions in recent weeks, with demonstrations spreading across several cities following allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations. The protests intensified after clashes between demonstrators and police in Delhi and have drawn support from numerous public figures, including actors Salman Khan, Dia Mirza, Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Riteish Deshmukh, Ayesha Khan and Kamal Haasan, among others.
Unlike many of his colleagues, however, Raghav chose not to disclose his personal views during the promotional event. His decision has divided public opinion, with some appreciating his insistence on keeping the focus on his film, while others viewed his response as an attempt to avoid taking a position on a major national issue.
On the professional front, Raghav is gearing up for the release of Bhai Tera Star Hai, in which he plays the lead role alongside Niharika NM, Vikalp and comedy duo Jordindian. The comedy marks his first outing as a leading man after earning praise for his performances in Kill and The Ba*ds of Bollywood.
For now, the viral exchange continues to fuel conversations online. Whether viewed as an assertion of professional boundaries or a missed opportunity to address a pressing issue, Raghav’s response has once again highlighted the growing expectation that celebrities comment on matters extending well beyond the entertainment industry.