Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike: ‘Ab dekha nahi ja raha…’, says Sonakshi Sinha, asks ‘Why is nobody listening?’ as hunger strike enters Day 19
As Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and allegations of exam-related irregularities, actors Fatima Sana Shaikh, Imran Khan and Aditi Rao Hydari have also expressed their support.
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Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike: Sonakshi Sinha says she can’t stay silent anymore
Speaking about Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, Sonakshi Sinha said that she felt compelled to take the issue public after watching the activist continue her indefinite fast.
“I have never made such a statement, but today we cannot ignore her. Sonam Wangchuk. We all know her. We know what she has done for our country, what her achievements are and how many awards she has won.”
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Referring to the fact that Wangchuk has been fasting for a long time, Wangchuk said, “He is hungry. He has not eaten anything. Who is he doing this for? He is doing it for the future of the children who lost their lives. He is struggling with a system that does not work properly. I know this. You know it too. We all know this.”
Asking why there is no meaningful response, Sonakshi said, “Many people are still silent. I cannot remain silent. No matter what. It’s okay. I cannot remain silent.”
Appealing to the authorities to engage with the activist, she added: “Why is nobody listening. Nobody cares. Nobody is open for a dialogue.”
Addressing possible criticism over her remarks, Sonakshi concluded: “Main koi anti-national nahi hu.”
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Fatima Sana Shaikh calls for action as Sonam Wangchuk enters 19th day of hunger strike
Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh also expressed concern over Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and urged the authorities to take action before the situation becomes more serious.
Sharing photos of Wangchuk on Instagram, she wrote: “It’s been 19 days now! We can’t keep waiting until it’s too late to start listening… Someone like Sonam Wangchuk, who has given so much to this country, should not need to risk her health just to have her voice heard.”
He also urged people to look beyond political differences and focus on the future of students.
“Regardless of your politics, a student’s future is worth protecting. It is truly heartbreaking to watch someone like him deteriorate like this. I hope this ends with dialogue and not just losing Sonam Wangchuk! Today’s youth will move this country forward. The least we can do is stand by them and support their right to a fair future.”
Other actors Vaani Kapoor, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and Sanya Malhotra also supported her post.
Imran Khan calls for accountability
Actor Imran Khan also supported the students affected by the alleged NEET-UG 2026 controversy, saying that the issue should not be political.
“This is not a political debate… or at least it shouldn’t be,” he wrote on Instagram.
Calling for responsibility, he added: “If we expect students to take exams honestly, then we owe them the same amount of responsibility.”
He concluded: “I see you… it is an honor to stand next to you.”
Aditi Rao Hydari joins voices supporting Sonam Wangchuk
Actor Aditi Rao Hydari also shared her support by reposting Wangchuk’s message on Instagram Stories.
He wrote: “Political differences shape a nation’s politics. Humanity shapes its character. This life is priceless 🙏🧿🙏 #sonamwangchuk”
Film fraternity continues to rally behind Sonam Wangchuk
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike received widespread support from the entertainment industry. 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 called for dialogue and expressed concerns about his health.
Earlier, Zeenat Aman wrote: “Today my thoughts are in the capital of the country where @wangchuksworld has entered the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike… Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they don’t even have a dialogue.”
Sonam Wangchuk asks her supporters to join the July 20 Parliament march
Despite growing concerns about her health, Sonam Wangchuk urged her supporters to focus on the larger cause and not end her fast.
“My situation is not good, but it is not that bad either… Instead of asking me to break my fast, please join me on July 20… Peaceful March to Parliament,” he said in a recent video message.
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike is being held as part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and other exam-related irregularities. It was announced that there would be a peaceful march to the parliament on July 20.
(With TOI entries)
