Sonakshi Sinha and Omi Vaidya recently took to social media to express solidarity with engineer-activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose hunger strike has now stretched into its 20th day at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, and appealed to the government to open a dialogue with him. In response, Wangchuk’s team left thank-you comments on both actors’ posts, even as the 59-year-old educator continues his strike.
Imran Khan, fans also join in support
Both posts received the same response: “Thank you for your solidarity. We truly appreciate your support. With gratitude, Office of Sonam Wangchuk.” Actor Imran Khan, another vocal supporter of Wangchuk, left a comment on Sonakshi’s post, writing, “Love this girl. The real Sona, actually fearless.” Several fans of both Sonakshi and Omi also lauded the actors for voicing their support.
Sonakshi’s emotional appeal in her video statement
In her video, Sonakshi voiced her concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, saying, “I’ve never given a statement out 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 his achievements are and how many awards he has won. He is hungry. He hasn’t eaten anything. For whom is he doing this? He is doing this for the future of children who lost their lives. He is fighting a system which is not working properly. I know this. You know this. We all know this. A lot many people are still silent. I can’t stay silent. Whatever will happen, let it happen. No problem. I can’t remain silent.”
Sonakshi questions government’s silence
Sonakshi further appealed to the government to initiate talks with Wangchuk, questioning, “Why is nobody listening? Nobody cares. Nobody is open for a dialogue.” Explaining her decision to release a video statement, she said it was time for her to speak up, adding, “I am not anti-national.”
Omi Vaidya draws parallel to his ‘3 Idiots’ character
In an Instagram video, Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, pointed to the real-life parallels between Wangchuk and the character Phunsukh Wangdu, portrayed by Aamir Khan in the film. He encouraged people to learn more about Wangchuk’s work and the issues driving his protest, while also flagging concern over his deteriorating health.
Other celebrities who voiced support
Omi was among the first actors to speak up for Wangchuk, followed by others including Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Soni Razdan and Abhay Deol, who also extended their support to Wangchuk and the CJP protest. On Friday, Aamir too voiced concern over Wangchuk’s worsening health, while clarifying that his ‘3 Idiots’ character was not based on him.
Wangchuk’s demands and the protest’s next big step
Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite hunger strike, seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged lapses in the education system.mThe CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar has now stretched into its 28th day, with the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” (Parliament march) set to be the movement’s next big mobilisation.
