As Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike continues at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, concerns over her health have prompted several members of the film fraternity to speak out. Veteran actor Soni Razdan and Shabana Azmi they have joined a growing list of celebrities urging Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the movement still needs his leadership and voice.
Soni Razdan shares an emotional message
Soni Razdan, best known for films like ‘Raazi’ and ’36 Chowringhee Lane’, took to Instagram to post a heartfelt poem dedicated to Wangchuk, asking him to take care of his health and call off the hunger strike.She wrote, “Dear Sonam Wangchuk, for your health we all pray. Please don’t leave us like this. Please live to fight another day. Please stay. Please finish your fast today.”His call comes as concerns continue to grow over the activist’s deteriorating health after weeks of fasting.
Swara Bhasker joins Sonam Wangchuk’s protest
Unlike several celebrities who expressed their support online, Swara Bhasker came to Jantar Mantar to stand by Sonam Wangchuk and the protesting students. The actor met Wangchuk and fellow protester Abhijeet, expressing solidarity with the ongoing agitation.The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is leading the protest, shared pictures of Swara’s visit on Instagram and praised her support. The post was captioned, “Unapologetic and fearless actress Swara Bhaskar joins protest at Jantar Mantar!”Swara’s visit came amid growing concern over Wangchuk’s health, with several public figures urging him to end his indefinite fast while assuring him that the movement continues to enjoy broad support.
Shabana Azmi says the country needs him
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi also extended her support to Wangchuk, describing him as someone who fights for truth and justice. He said the country needed voices like his and praised their commitment to the cause.Addressing the activist, he said, “Humein aap par garv hain.”Shabana also urged him to end the fast, stressing that the students still needed his guidance and the movement required him to stay healthy for the long battle ahead. He assured him that many people were still sympathetic to his cause.
More film personalities offer support
Several celebrities have rallied behind Sonam Wangchuk in the past few days. Zeenat Aman appealed to the government to start a peaceful dialogue with the protesting students, saying that the issue concerns the future of the country.In his message, he wrote that “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 in power are obliged to face this protest with peaceful dialogue.”Actor Omi Vaidya, remembered for playing Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, also shared an emotional video that quickly gained attention online.“I don’t want Funsohk Wangdu to die,” he said, referring to Wangchuk’s real-life inspiration behind the film’s beloved character.Actors Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol and filmmaker Sanjay Kak have also expressed their concern, while Swara Bhasker joined the protest at Jantar Mantar in person. Images shared by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) showed the actor alongside Sonam Wangchuk and other protesters.
Writers and activists call for an end to the fast
Apart from the actors, author Arundhati Roy and several public figures issued a joint appeal asking the activist to reconsider his indefinite fast.Part of his statement read: “We ask you to consider ending this hunger strike immediately in the interest 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 ahead.”
Why Sonam Wangchuk is on hunger strike
Sonam Wangchuk joined the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike ever since. The agitation, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.The organization has also announced a march on Parliament on July 20, with supporters continuing to gather in large numbers as calls across the country urge Wangchuk to end his fast and continue the movement in good health.