When Sonu Nigam was asked about the NEET protests at a recent media event, he refused to answer and walked away. The moment went viral. He has now explained why.The event had been organised as a tribute to his late guru Pankaj Udhas. Nigam told Bombay Times that bringing politics into that space would have been disrespectful to the occasion and to the man being honoured. “Talking politics when you have come to talk about your tribute to your Guru Pankaj Udhas is disrespectful in my eyes,” he said, adding that he expected the media present to maintain the same decorum.He also cited a personal reason. “I have given a word to my father to not comment on just anything which I’m not knowledgeable about,” he said.The singer pushed back against the expectation that celebrities must weigh in on every issue. “I don’t have social media on my phone. My life is about music and Bhakti. I have taken enough stands throughout my life. From my outcry against loudspeakers on religious places to the right to royalty for performers, I have belled the cat alone bravely. Now let others take up new courageous stands and see what changes they can bring,” he said.Several celebrities including Sonakshi Sinha, Alia Bhatt, Riteish Deshmukh, and Naseeruddin Shah have publicly backed the student’s demanding accountability over NEET-related concerns.Nigam also addressed speculation about his health, clarifying that a recent neck procedure had not affected his vocal cords. He lends his voice to Tabassum from Batwara 1947, composed by AR Rahman with lyrics by Javed Akhtar, releasing August 14. He performs live at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on August 30.