filmmaker Kiran Rao has extended its support to climate activists Sonam Wangchuk amid his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, urging the government to initiate a dialogue with the protesters. His statement came soon after Aamir Khan clarified that his iconic ‘3 Idiots’ character Rancho was not based on Wangchuk, though he continued to express concern for the activist’s health. As Wangchuk’s fast reaches its 20th day, support from celebrities and public figures continues to grow. Wangchuk, the climate activist and education reformer whose life story inspired Aamir Khan’s iconic character Rancho in ‘3 Idiots’, has been fasting indefinitely at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the inclusion of Ladakh in the sixth schedule of the Constitution. The prolonged strike has sparked growing concern across the country.
Kiran Rao shows support on social media
Joining other celebrities who have come out in support of Sonam Wangchuk, Kiran Rao also shared her concern over the activist’s deteriorating health during her hunger strike. To show her support, she changed her Instagram picture to a picture of Wangchuk with the message ‘I support Sonam’.In his note, he wrote: “I stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP and all the citizens of this country, young and old, who are protesting for the rights of our students. My salams to Sonam ji, Neha, Maneesh, Ameen and all others for going on a hunger strike to ensure that our justice does not serve us. apathy and reminding us that every voice counts.“Kiran added: “It is so distressing to witness the complete silence with which this hunger strike has been achieved, even after 19 days. What will it take for those in power to listen to the people?… it is shocking and inhumane. I urge the government to dialogue with the protesters, to understand the pain of the students and to end this impasse. The people have the right to be heard. #sonamwangchuk #neet #cockroachjanataparty.“
Aamir Khan Clarification on Rancho from ‘3 Idiots’
Rao’s gesture of support follows Aamir recently weighing in on the long-held belief that his character Rancho in ‘3 Idiots’ was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. The actor clarified that this widely circulated assumption is inaccurate, explaining that neither he nor the film’s writers knew about Wangchuk while working on the 2009 blockbuster. Still, Aamir expressed genuine concern over the activist’s deteriorating health and said he hoped Wangchuk would soon end his indefinite fast.
Other celebrities lend their support
Several other film personalities like Abhay Deol, Prakash Raj, Sony RazdanAtul Kulkarni and Anurag Kashyap, have also extended their support, while digital creators like Bhuvan Bam, Munawar Faruqui, Ashish Chanchlaniand Purav Jha have helped amplify his message on social media.