As Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite climate hunger strike enters its 19th day, support from the film industry continues to grow. Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Fatima Sana Shaikh have become the latest celebrities to express concern over her health, urging the authorities to engage in dialogue before the situation worsens. While Sonakshi shared an emotional message in the video, Fatima took to Instagram with a heartfelt appeal, with both actors stressing the importance of listening to Wangchuk’s demands instead of allowing his health to deteriorate further.
Sonakshi Sinha says she can’t keep quiet anymore
Breaking his silence on the issue, the ‘Dabangg’ actor said he felt compelled to speak publicly after watching Wangchuk continue his fast.“I have never given a statement like this, but now 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 long hunger strike, Sonakshi added, “She is hungry. She is not eating anything. Who is she doing this for? She is doing this for the future of children who are losing their lives. She is fighting a system that is not working properly. I know it. You know it.Questioning the silence surrounding the issue, he said, “Many people are still silent. I can’t be silent. Whatever happens, let it happen. No problem. I can’t be silent.”He also appealed to the government to start talks with Wangchuk, saying, “Why is nobody listening. Nobody cares.Addressing possible criticism of her stance, Sonakshi concluded, “Main koi anti-national nahi hu.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh called for immediate intervention
Echoing similar concerns, ‘Dangal’ actor Fatima Sana Shaikh urged the authorities to respond before Wangchuk’s condition worsens.Sharing photos of the activist on Instagram, he wrote, “It’s been 19 days! We can’t keep waiting until it’s too late to start listening… A person like Sonam Wangchuk, who has given so much to the country, shouldn’t risk her health just to be heard.”Fatima also urged people to look past political differences and focus on the future of students.“Regardless of your politics, a student’s future is worth protecting. It’s really hurtful to see someone like him damaged like this. I hope this ends in dialogue, not the loss of Sonam Wangchuk! Today’s youth will lead this country.Her post received support from fellow actors Vaani Kapoor, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and Sanya Malhotra, who responded to her appeal on social media.
Imran Khan also demanded accountability
Actor Imran Khan also extended support to students affected by the alleged NEET-UG controversy, saying the issue is more than politics. In a carousel post on Instagram, he argued that students deserve the same integrity from the examination authorities that is expected of them during the examination. “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 take exams with integrity, then they also have the same level of accountability.He ended by expressing solidarity with the students, writing, “I see you … it’s my honor to stand next to you.”
Aditi Rao Hydari also lends 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 country. People shape its character. This life is precious 🙏🧿🙏 #sonamwangchuk,” urging compassion amid the ongoing protests.
Film fraternity rally behind the activist
Sonakshi and Fatima are among the many members of the entertainment industry who have expressed concern about 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 appealed for constructive dialogue.Zeenat Aman had earlier written, “My thoughts are now with the capital city where @wangchuksworld is entering the 17th day of its indefinite hunger strike… Don’t ask me to break my fast. Ask the government why they don’t engage in dialogue.”Omi Vaidya, known for playing Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, also urged people to understand Wangchuk’s work while expressing concern for his health.
Wangchuk urged supporters to join the peaceful march
Despite growing concern over his condition, Wangchuk urged supporters to focus on the greater cause instead of asking him to end his fast. “I’m not in good shape but not so bad either… Instead of asking me to break my fast please join me on July 20… Peaceful March in Parliament,” he said in a recent video message.Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, demanding accountability for the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and other examination-related irregularities. A peaceful march to Parliament has been announced for July 20.