Filmmaker: Kiran Rao extended his support to the climate activist Sonam Wangchuk amid his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, urged the government to start a dialogue with the protesters. His statement came shortly after Aamir Khan clarified that his iconic ‘3 Idiots’ character Rancho was not based on Wangchuk, while still expressing concern for the activist’s health. As Wangchuk’s fast enters 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’, is on an indefinite fast at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The extended strike has sparked growing concern across the country.
Kiran Rao showed support on social media
Among other celebrities who supported Sonam Wangchuk, Kiran Rao also shared her concern over the deteriorating health of the activist during her hunger strike. To show her support, she changed her Instagram display picture to Wangchuk’s image 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 salaams to Sonam ji, Neha, Maneesh, Ameen and all the others for going on a hunger strike to ensure that our justice is served to us. and reminds us that every voice important.“Kiran added, “It is very sad to witness the utter silence that this hunger strike has been met with, even after 19 days. What is required for those in power to listen to the people?… it is shocking and inhumane. I urge the government to enter into a dialogue with the protesters, to understand the pain of the students, and end this destruction. We the people have a right to be heard. #sonamwangchuk #neet #cockroachjanataparty.“
Aamir Khan’s clarification of 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 modeled on Sonam Wangchuk. The actor clarified that this widely held belief is inaccurate, explaining that neither he nor the film’s writers knew Wangchuk while working on the 2009 blockbuster. However, Aamir expressed genuine concern over the activist’s deteriorating health and said he hoped Wangchuk would end his indefinite fast soon.
Other celebrities have come out in support
Many other film personalities, including Abhay Deol, Prakash Raj, Soni RazdanAtul Kulkarni, and Anurag Kashyap, have also extended their support, while digital creators like Bhuvan Bam, Munawar Faruqui, Ashish Chanchlaniand Purav Jha helped amplify his message on social media.