Support from the film industry continues to grow as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike enters its 19th day. Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Fatima Sana Shaikh have become the latest celebrities to express concerns about his health, urging authorities to engage in dialogue before the situation worsens. Sonakshi shared a touching video message, while Fatima issued a heartfelt appeal on Instagram, with both actors emphasizing the importance of listening to Wangchuk’s request and not letting his health deteriorate further.
Sonakshi Sinha says she can no longer remain silent
The “Dabangg” actor broke her silence on the issue, saying she felt the need to speak out after seeing Wangchuck continue his fast.“I have never made a statement like this, but today we cannot ignore him. Sonam Wangchuk. We all know him. We know what he has done for our country and what achievements he has achieved and how many awards he has won. “Talking about his long hunger strike, Sonakshi added, “He was hungry. He didn’t eat anything. Who was he doing this for? He was doing it for the future of the children who lost their lives. He was fighting a system that was not working properly. I know this. You know this. We all know this.”Regarding the silence surrounding the issue, she said: “A lot of people are still silent. I can’t stay silent. Whatever happens, let it happen. No problem. I can’t stay silent.”She also called on the government to initiate negotiations with Wangchuck, saying: “Why is no one listening. No one cares. No one is willing to talk.”Talking about possible criticisms of her stance, Sonakshi concluded: “It’s mostly Koi’s anti-national drivel.”
Fatima Sana Sheikh calls for urgent intervention
“Dangal” actor Fatima Sana Shaikh expressed similar concerns, urging authorities to respond before Wangchuk’s condition becomes more serious.Sharing a photo of the activist on Instagram, she wrote: “It’s been 19 days now! We can’t wait until it’s too late to start listening… Someone like Sonam Wangchuk who has done so much for this country should not have to risk his or her health to be heard.”Fatima also urged people to look beyond political differences and focus on the future of students.“Regardless of your politics, students’ futures deserve to be protected. It’s heartbreaking to see people like him deteriorate like this. I hope this ends with a conversation and not that we lose Sonam Wangchuck! Today’s young people will move this country forward. The least we can do is support them and support their right to a fair future.”Her post received support from fellow actors Vaani Kapoor, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and Sanya Malhotra, who responded to her appeal on social media.
Imran Khan also demands accountability
Actor Imran Khan also extended support to students affected by the NEET-UG controversy, saying the issue went beyond politics. In a carousel post on Instagram, he argued that students deserve the same integrity expected by exam authorities during exams. “This is not a political debate…or at least it shouldn’t be,” he wrote. Calling for accountability, Imran added: “If we expect students to write exams honestly, then they should also be held to the same level of responsibility.He concluded by expressing solidarity with the students, writing: “I see you… and I am honored to stand next to you.”
Aditi Rao Hydari also expressed support
Meanwhile, Aditi Rao Hydari also supported Sonam Wangchuk, who shared his post on Instagram Stories and wrote: “Political differences shape a country’s politics. Humanity shapes its character. This life is priceless #🙏son🙏son🙏son🙏son”, calling for the compassion shown during the protests.
Film fraternity rally in support of activist
People in the entertainment industry, including Sonakshi and Fatima, expressed concerns about Wangchuck’s health. Earlier, Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, Soni Razdan, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol, Prakash Raj, Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker, Omi Vaidya, Gauahar Khan, Raghav Juyal, Rakhi Sawant and Munawar Fqui also called for constructive dialogue.Zeenat Aman earlier wrote: “My thoughts today are in the capital of the country, @wangchuksworld as the world enters day 17 of his indefinite hunger strike… Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they are not having a dialogue. “Omi Vaidya, best known for his role as Chatur in “3 Idiots,” also encouraged people to learn about Wangchuk’s work while expressing concerns about his health.
Wangchuck urges supporters to join peaceful march
Despite growing concerns about his condition, Wangchuck urged supporters to focus on bigger causes rather than demanding he end his fast. He said in a recent video message: “My health is not good, but it is not that bad… Instead of asking me to break my fast, why not join me on July 20… in a peaceful march to Parliament.”Wangchuck went on an indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Jantar Party (CJP) protests to demand accountability for the alleged leak of NEET-UG 2026 question papers and other exam-related irregularities. There will be a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.
