As Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike continues at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, concern over her health has prompted several members of the film fraternity to speak out. Veteran actor Soni Razdan and: Shabana Azmi joined a growing list of celebrities urging Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the movement still needs his leadership and voice.
Soni Razdan shared 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 stop the hunger strike.He wrote, “Dear Sonam Wangchuk, For your health, we are all praying. Please don’t let us down like this. Please live to fight another day. Please stay. Please break your fast today.”His appeal comes as concerns continue to grow over the activist’s deteriorating health after weeks of fasting.
Swara Bhasker joins Sonam Wangchuk’s protest
Unlike many celebrities who expressed their support online, Swara Bhasker reached Jantar Mantar to stand with Sonam Wangchuk and the protesting students. The actor met Wangchuk and fellow protester Abhijeet, expressing solidarity with the ongoing unrest.The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which led the protest, shared photos of Swara’s visit on Instagram and praised her support. The post was captioned, “Unapologetic and fearless actress Swara Bhaskar Joins Jantar Mantar protest!”Swara’s visit comes 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 widespread support.
Shabana Azmi said the country needs her
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi also extended her support to Wangchuk, describing him as someone who fights for truth and justice. He said the country needs voices like his and praised his 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 that the movement needed him to stay healthy for the long fight ahead. He assures her that many people continue to join his cause.
Many film personalities have extended their support
Many celebrities have rallied behind Sonam Wangchuk in recent days. Zeenat Aman appealed to the government to hold a peaceful dialogue with the protesting students, stating that the issue is related to the future of the country.In his message, he wrote that “We must not be a society that sits and watches one of the greatest minds sacrificed. India has a long history of peaceful protest; those in power are obliged to meet such protest with peaceful dialogue.”Actor Omi Vaidya, recalling playing Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, also shared an emotional video which quickly gained attention online.“I don’t want Funsohk Wangdu to die,” he said, referring to Wangchuk’s real-life inspiration behind the beloved character from the film.Actors Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol and filmmaker Sanjay Kak also expressed their concern, while Swara Bhasker joined the protest at Jantar Mantar in person. Pictures shared by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) show the actor standing next to Sonam Wangchuk and fellow protesters.
Writers and activists have called for an end to fasting
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 their statement read, “We ask you to please consider ending this hunger strike immediately in the interest of a 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 is Sonam Wangchuk on hunger strike?
Sonam Wangchuk joined the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike ever since. The agitation, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.The organization also announced a march on Parliament on July 20, with supporters continuing to gather in large numbers as appeals from across the country urged Wangchuk to end his fast and continue the movement of good health.