Sonakshi Sinha i Omi Vaidya He recently took to social media to express his solidarity with the engineer-activist Sonam Wangchukwhose hunger strike has reached its twentieth day at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, and appealed to the government to open a dialogue with him. In response, Wangchuk’s team left appreciative comments on the two actors’ posts, even as the 59-year-old educator continues his strike.
Imran Khan, fans also join the support
Both posts received the same response: “Thank you for your solidarity. We sincerely appreciate your support. With gratitude, Sonam Wangchuk’s Office.” Actor Imran Khan, another vocal supporter of Wangchuk, left a comment on Sonakshi’s post, writing, “Love this girl. The real Sona, truly fearless.” Several fans of Sonakshi and Omi also praised the actors for expressing their support.
Sonakshi’s emotional appeal in her video statement
In her video, Sonakshi expressed concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, saying, “I have never made a statement like this, but today we can’t ignore him. Sonam Wangchuk. We all know him. We know what he has done for our country, what are his achievements and how many awards he has won. He is hungry. Hasn’t he done this who eats the future for children who do this? They lost their lives. You’re fighting a system that doesn’t work properly. I know that. You know that. We all know that. Many people are still silent. I can’t stay silent. Whatever happens, whatever happens. no problem I cannot remain silent.”
Sonakshi questions the government’s silence
Sonakshi also appealed to the government to initiate talks with Wangchuk, asking, “Why is no one listening? No one cares. Nobody is open to a dialogue.” Explaining his decision to issue a video statement, he said it was time for her to speak, adding: “I’m not anti-national.”
Omi Vaidya Draws Parallels With His ‘3 Idiots’ Character
In an Instagram video, Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, pointed out the real-life parallels between Wangchuk and the character Phunsukh Wangdu, played by Aamir Khan in the film. He encouraged people to learn more about Wangchuk’s work and the issues driving his protest, while expressing concern about his deteriorating health.
Other celebrities who supported
Omi was one of the first actors to speak for Wangchuk, followed by others like Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Sony Razdan and Abhay Deol, who also extended his support to Wangchuk and the CJP’s protest. On Friday, Aamir also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, while clarifying that his character in ‘3 Idiots’ was not based on him.
Wangchuk’s demands and the protest’s next big step
Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite hunger strike, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged shortcomings in the education system. The CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar has entered its 28th day, with the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ (march to Parliament) set to be the movement’s next major mobilization.