Alia Bhatt’s mother Soni Razdan, Shabana Azmi and Swara Bhasker rally behind Sonam Wangchuk, urge him to end hunger strike
As Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike continues at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, concern over his health has prompted several members of the film fraternity to speak out. Veteran actors Soni Razdan and Shabana Azmi have joined a growing list of celebrities urging Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the movement still needs his leadership and voice. Actor Swara Bhasker has also extended her support by visiting the protest site, while celebrities including Zeenat Aman, Omi Vaidya, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Abhay Deol have appealed for dialogue and expressed solidarity with the activist’s cause, highlighting the growing backing from the entertainment industry.
Soni Razdan shares 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, requesting him to take care of his health and call off the hunger strike.She wrote, “Dear Sonam Wangchuk, For your health, we all do pray. Please do not leave us in this way. Please live to fight another day. Please stay. Please end your fast today.”Her 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 several celebrities who voiced their support online, Swara Bhasker reached Jantar Mantar to stand alongside Sonam Wangchuk and the protesting students. The actor met Wangchuk and fellow protester Abhijeet, expressing solidarity with the ongoing agitation.The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is leading the protest, shared photographs of Swara’s visit on Instagram and praised her support. The post was captioned, “Unapologetic & fearless actress Swara Bhaskar Joins the protest at Jantar Mantar!”Swara’s visit came 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 says the country needs him
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi also extended her support to Wangchuk, describing him as someone fighting for truth and justice. She said the country needed voices like his and praised his commitment to the cause.Addressing the activist, she said, “Humein aap par garv hain.”Shabana also urged him to end the fast, stressing that students still needed his guidance and that the movement required him to remain healthy for the long battle ahead. She assured him that many people continued to stand in solidarity with his cause.
More film personalities extend support
Several celebrities have rallied behind Sonam Wangchuk in recent days. Zeenat Aman appealed to the government to engage in peaceful dialogue with the protesting students, stating that the issue concerns the future of the country.In her message, she wrote that “We must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed. India has a long history of peaceful protest; those who wield power are obliged to meet such protest with peaceful dialogue.”Actor Omi Vaidya, remembered for playing Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, also shared an emotional video that 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 have also voiced their concern, while Swara Bhasker joined the protest at Jantar Mantar in person. Images shared by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) showed the actor standing alongside Sonam Wangchuk and fellow protesters.
Writers and activists call for the fast to end
Apart from actors, author Arundhati Roy and several public figures issued a joint appeal requesting the activist to reconsider his indefinite fast.Part of their statement read, “We request you to please consider ending this hunger strike immediately in the interests of the 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 to come.”
Why Sonam Wangchuk is 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, organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.The organisation has also announced a march to Parliament on July 20, with supporters continuing to gather in large numbers while appeals from across the country urge Wangchuk to end his fast and continue the movement in good health.
