Several well-known Bollywood personalities have come forward to support educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has raised concerns over his health. As the protest entered its 24th day and Wangchuk completed more than two weeks without food, actors Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Zeenat Aman, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Omi Vaidya and others urged him to end his fast while continuing the larger fight.
A joint appeal signed by Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, writer Arundhati Roy, economist Jayati Ghosh and several other public figures acknowledged the importance of Wangchuk’s movement. The statement read, “We salute your sense of purpose, the determination and courage with which you are spearheading this movement for students and youth across the country.”
The signatories also requested him to stop the indefinite fast, saying, “We request you to please consider ending this hunger strike immediately in the interests of the longer and more difficult struggle ahead. This battle is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need you, your strength and leadership in the days to come.”
Zeenat Aman, Shreya Dhanwanthary And Omi Vaidya Share Emotional Messages
Before the joint appeal, Zeenat Aman also expressed her concern and urged the government to open a peaceful dialogue with Wangchuk. In her note, she wrote, “We must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed. India has a long history of peaceful protest; those who wield power are obliged to meet such protest with peaceful dialogue.”
Shreya Dhanwanthary also requested Wangchuk to reconsider his fast. Reacting to an update on his health, she wrote, “I hate that I’m about to say this but please sir, consider ending your fast. Sonam Wangchuk is using a peaceful expression of rebellion against a government that has shown little to no moral conscience. Sir, you cannot reason with an apathetic state.”
I hate that I’m about to say this but please sir, consider ending your fast. Sonam Wangchuk is using a peaceful expression of rebellion against a government that has shown little to no moral conscience. Sir, you cannot reason with an apathetic state. https://t.co/xdTU1zgsI8
— Shreya Dhanwanthary (@shreyadhan13) July 14, 2026
Actor Omi Vaidya, remembered for playing Chatur in 3 Idiots, made an emotional video message saying, “I don’t want Funsukh Wangdu to die.” He added that Wangchuk’s falling blood sugar and health condition deserved urgent public attention.
Why Is Sonam Wangchuk Protesting?
The protest is being led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations such as NEET, CUET, CBSE and SSC. The group is also seeking ₹1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy.
According to organisers, Wangchuk has already lost 8.2 kg, while his latest health update recorded a blood sugar level of 67 and blood pressure of 107/70. The CJP has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20 if their demands remain unanswered.
As concern over Sonam Wangchuk’s health continues to grow, more voices from the film industry are standing beside him.
