As climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day, support from the film industry continued to grow. Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Fatima Sana Shaikh have become the latest celebrities to express their concern for their health, and are calling on the authorities to talk before the situation worsens. While Sonakshi shared an emotional video message, Fatima took to Instagram with a heartfelt plea, with both actors stressing the importance of listening to Wangchuk’s pleas rather than allowing her health to deteriorate further.
Sonakshi Sinha says she couldn’t stay silent anymore
Breaking her silence on the issue, the ‘Dabangg’ actor said she felt compelled to speak publicly after seeing Wangchuk continue her 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, what his achievements are and how many awards he has won.”Talking about her prolonged hunger strike, Sonakshi added, “She is hungry. She hasn’t eaten anything. Who is she doing this for? She is doing this for the future of the children who lost their lives. She is fighting a system that is not working properly. I know it. You know it. We all know it.”Questioning the silence surrounding the issue, he said: “A lot of people are still silent. I can’t be silent. Whatever happens, let it happen. No problem. I can’t be silent.”He also called on the government to open talks with Wangchuk, saying: “Why is nobody listening? Nobody cares. Nobody is open to dialogue.”Addressing possible criticism of her stance, Sonakshi concluded, “The main anti-national koi nahi hu.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh calls for urgent intervention
Echoing similar concerns, ‘Dangal’ actor Fatima Sana Shaikh urged authorities to respond before Wangchuk’s condition worsens.Sharing pictures of the activist on Instagram, she wrote: “It’s been 19 days! We can’t keep waiting until it’s too late to start listening… Someone like Sonam Wangchuk, who has given so much to this country, shouldn’t have to put her health at risk just to be heard.”Fatima also urged people to look beyond political differences and focus on the students’ future.“Whatever your politics, a student’s future is worth protecting. It’s really heartbreaking to see someone like him deteriorate like this. I hope this ends with a dialogue, not us losing Sonam Wangchuk! Today’s youth will carry this nation forward. The least we can do is stand by 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 reacted to her appeal on social media.
Imran Khan also demands accountability
Actor Imran Khan has also come out in support of students affected by the alleged NEET-UG controversy, saying the issue goes beyond politics. In an Instagram carousel post, he argued that students deserve the same integrity from the exam authorities that is expected of them 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 do exams with integrity, they are also owed the same degree of accountability.” He concluded by expressing his solidarity with the students, writing, “I see you…it’s an honor to be by your side.”
Aditi Rao Hydari also extended support
Meanwhile, Aditi Rao Hydari also supported Sonam Wangchuk by sharing her post on Instagram Stories and writing, “Political differences shape the politics of a nation. Humanity shapes its character. This life is priceless 🙏🧿🙏 #sonamwangchuk,” calling for compassion amid the ongoing protest.
The film fraternity rallies behind the activist
Sonakshi and Fatima are among several members of the entertainment industry who have expressed concern over Wangchuk’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 Faruqui also extended their support and constructive dialogue for the app.Zeenat Aman had earlier written, “My thoughts today are with the nation’s capital where @wangchuksworld world is entering the 17th day of its indefinite hunger strike… Do not ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even dialogue.”Omi Vaidya, known for playing Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, also encouraged people to understand Wangchuk’s work while expressing concern for his health.
Wangchuk urges his followers to join the peaceful march
Despite growing concern over his condition, Wangchuk has urged his followers to focus on the greater cause rather than calling for him to end his fast. “I am not in good shape but not that bad either… Instead of asking me to break my fast, please join me on July 20… Peaceful march to Parliament,” he said in a recent video message.Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, demanding accountability for the alleged leak of NEET-UG 2026 papers and other exam-related irregularities. A peaceful march to Parliament has been announced for July 20.