As education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day on July 15, several prominent voices from the Indian film industry extended their support, bringing renewed public attention to the protest. Filmmakers, actors, and musicians have rallied behind Wangchuk, whose agitation over alleged examination irregularities and student-related concerns has been underway at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 28.
The growing support from the entertainment fraternity has transformed the student-led movement into a wider national conversation.
Film Industry Extends Support To Sonam Wangchuk
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap was among the first prominent personalities to publicly support Wangchuk.
Sharing a heartfelt note on Instagram, Kashyap wrote that hunger strikes carry deep significance and expressed concern over what he described as the authorities’ silence.
“There was a time when hunger strike had some meaning. People don’t go on hunger strike just like that. It’s really troubling when the system becomes so indifferent to people’s lives.”
He further praised Wangchuk’s courage and commitment to truth and justice while stating that he stood firmly with the activist.
Actor Swara Bhaskar also visited Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar on July 14, later sharing her support on social media.
In her post, she thanked Wangchuk for “fighting for the future of children,” publicly endorsing the ongoing protest.
More Celebrities Join The Campaign
Several other film personalities have also expressed solidarity with Wangchuk.
Among them are:
- Zeenat Aman
- Soni Razdan
- Abhay Deol
- Naseeruddin Shah
- Prakash Raj
- Chinmayi Sripaada
Singer Chinmayi Sripaada, while expressing concern for Wangchuk’s health, urged him to end the fast, arguing that the authorities appeared unmoved despite the prolonged protest.
Her comments added another dimension to the public discussion surrounding the agitation.
Omi Vaidya’s ‘Phunsukh Wangdu’ Reference Resonates
One of the most widely discussed reactions came from actor Omi Vaidya.
In a video shared online, the 3 Idiots actor said:
“I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die.”
The statement immediately struck an emotional chord because Sonam Wangchuk famously inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu, portrayed by Aamir Khan in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots.
The reference reminded audiences of Wangchuk’s enduring cultural influence beyond his activism.
Protest Continues At Jantar Mantar
Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in collaboration with the Cockroach Janta Party.
The protest centers around alleged examination irregularities and concerns regarding students’ future.
As the hunger strike continues, support from public figures has helped keep the issue in the national spotlight, with celebrities using their platforms to amplify the conversation surrounding the ongoing movement.
