Sonakshi Sinha says ‘main koi anti-national hahi hu’, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Imran Khan backs Sonam Wangchuk as hunger strike enters day 19
As climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day, support from the film industry continued to grow. Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Fatima Sana Shaikh have become the latest celebrities to express concern over his health, urging the authorities to engage in dialogue before the situation worsens. While Sonakshi shared an emotional video message, Fatima took to Instagram with a heartfelt appeal, with both actors stressing the importance of listening to Wangchuk’s demands rather than allowing his health to deteriorate further.
Sonakshi Sinha says she could no longer remain silent
Breaking her silence on the issue, the ‘Dabangg’ actor said she felt compelled to speak publicly after watching Wangchuk continue his fast.“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.”Speaking about his prolonged hunger strike, Sonakshi added, “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.”Questioning the silence surrounding the issue, she said, “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.”She also appealed to the government to initiate talks with Wangchuk, saying, “Why is nobody listening. Nobody cares. Nobody is open for a dialogue.”Addressing possible criticism over her stance, Sonakshi concluded, “Main koi anti-national nahi hu.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh calls for urgent intervention
Echoing similar concerns, ‘Dangal’ actor Fatima Sana Shaikh urged the authorities to respond before Wangchuk’s condition becomes more serious.Sharing photographs of the activist on Instagram, she wrote, “It’s now been 19 days! We cannot keep waiting until it’s too late to start listening… Someone like Sonam Wangchuk, who has given so much to this country, shouldn’t have to risk his health just to be heard.”Fatima also urged people to look beyond political differences and focus on the future of students.“Whatever your politics, a student’s future is worth protecting. It’s really very heartbreaking to watch someone like him deteriorate like this. I hope this ends with dialogue, not us losing Sonam Wangchuk! The youth of today will carry this nation forward. The least we can do is stand by them and support their right to a fair future.”Her post received support from fellow actors Vaani Kapoor, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and Sanya Malhotra, who reacted to her appeal on social media.
Imran Khan also demands accountability
Actor Imran Khan has also extended support to students affected by the alleged NEET-UG controversy, saying the issue goes beyond politics. In an Instagram carousel post, he argued that students deserve the same integrity from examination authorities that is expected of them during exams. “This isn’t 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 are also owed the same degree of accountability.” He concluded by expressing solidarity with students, writing, “I see you… it is my honour to stand beside you.”
Aditi Rao Hydari also extend support
Meanwhile, Aditi Rao Hydari also backed Sonam Wangchuk by sharing his post on Instagram Stories and writing, “Political differences shape a nation’s politics. Humanity shapes its character. This life is invaluable 🙏🧿🙏 #sonamwangchuk,” urging compassion amid the ongoing protest.
Film fraternity rallies behind the activist
Sonakshi and Fatima are among several members of the entertainment industry who have voiced concern over 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 today are in the country’s capital city where @wangchuksworld world is entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike… Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue.”Omi Vaidya, known for playing Chatur in ‘3 Idiots’, also encouraged people to understand Wangchuk’s work while expressing concern over his health.
Wangchuk urges supporters to join peaceful march
Despite growing concern over his condition, Wangchuk has urged supporters to focus on the larger cause instead of asking him to end his fast. “I’m not in good shape but not so bad either… Rather than asking me to break my fast please join me on 20th July… Peaceful March to the Parliament,” he said in a recent video message.Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike as part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and other examination-related irregularities. A peaceful march to Parliament has been announced for July 20.
