Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk continues an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, with concerns over his health prompting several members of the film fraternity to speak out. Veteran actor Soni Razdan & Shabana Azmi A growing number of celebrities have urged Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the movement still needs his leadership and voice.
Soni Razdan shares emotional message
Soni Razdan, known for films like “Raazi” and “36 Chowringhee Lane”, posted a heartfelt poem on Instagram dedicated to Wangchuk, asking him to take care of his health and call off his hunger strike.She wrote: “Dear Sonam Wangchuck, for your health we are all praying. Please don’t leave us like this. Please live to fight again. Please stay. Please end your fast today.Her appeal comes as concerns continue to grow over the activist’s deteriorating health after weeks of fasting.
Swara Bhasker joins Sonam Wangchuk’s protests
Unlike several celebrities who expressed support online, Swara Bhasik arrived at Jantar Mantar to stand with Sonam Wangchuck and the protesting students. The actor met with Wangchuck and fellow protester Abhijit to express solidarity with the ongoing unrest.The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is leading the protests, shared photos of Swara’s visit on Instagram and praised her support. The post was captioned: “Unapologetically fearless actress Swara Bhaskar joins Jantar Mantar protests!”Swara’s visit comes amid growing concerns about Wangchuck’s health, with some public figures urging him to end his indefinite fast while assuring him that the movement continues to enjoy widespread support.
Shabana Azmi says country needs him
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi also expressed support for Wangchuck, calling him a man who fights for truth and justice. She said the country needs voices like his and praised his commitment to the cause.“Humein aap par garv hain,” she told the activist.Shabana also urged him to end his fast, stressing that students still needed his guidance and the sport required him to stay fit for the long battle ahead. She assured him that many people would continue to support his cause.
More people from the film industry lending a helping hand
A number of celebrities have come out in support of Sonam Wangchuk in recent days. Zeenat Aman called on the government to engage in peaceful dialogue with the protesting students, saying the issue was related to the country’s future.“We must not become a society that stands by and watches one of our greatest thinkers sacrificed,” she wrote in her address. India has a long history of peaceful protests; those in power have an obligation to respond to such protests through peaceful dialogue. “Actor Omi Vaidya, best remembered for his role as Chatur in 3 Idiots, also shared an emotional video that quickly gained traction online.“I didn’t want Phinsoke Wangdu to die,” he said, referring to the real-life inspiration behind Wangchuk’s beloved character in the film.Actors Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol and filmmaker Sanjay Kak also expressed their concerns, while Swara Bhasker also personally participated in the Jantar Mantar protest. Images shared by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) showed the actor standing next to Sonam Wangchuk and other protesters.
Writers and activists call for a speedy end
Apart from the actor, writer Arundhati Roy and several public figures jointly issued a call asking the activist to reconsider his indefinite fast.Their statement read: “We ask that you consider ending this hunger strike immediately to prepare for 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 ahead. “
Why did Sonam Wangchuk go on hunger strike?
Sonam Wangchuk joined the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike ever since. The riots, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.The group also announced a march to parliament on July 20, and large numbers of supporters continued to gather, while calls came from across the country urging Wangchuck to end his fast and continue exercising despite his health.
