Support Grows for Sonam Wangchuk Amid Ongoing Hunger Strike

Support for activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike is gaining momentum as Bollywood stars and social media influencers call for government dialogue. With his health declining on the 19th day of fasting, figures like Sonakshi Sinha and Vishal Dadlani have voiced their concerns, urging action for student rights. As Wangchuk remains steadfast in his protest, the urgency for a response from authorities grows. This article delves into the reactions from various celebrities and the implications of Wangchuk's fight for education reform.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2026, 16:45 IST

Rising Support for Activist's Cause

On Thursday, the support for Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike intensified, with numerous Bollywood celebrities, musicians, and social media influencers leveraging their platforms to urge the government for a dialogue. This comes as the activist enters the 19th day of his fast at Jantar Mantar, and his health continues to decline.

Actress Sonakshi Sinha expressed her admiration for the young demonstrators, stating, “I want to commend the youth of this nation. They are voicing their concerns and advocating for a noble cause. Yet, why is there no response? No one is engaging in conversation or even acknowledging their presence.” She emphasized her own connection to the country, asserting, “I am a citizen, not an anti-national. So why should I remain silent?” Sinha recalled Wangchuk's plea for supporters to question the government instead of urging him to end his fast, calling him “a gem” and questioning, “When will it be enough? Will action only be taken when this man’s life is at stake? Who will be accountable for that?” She concluded her message with “Jai Hind.”

Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh shared images of Wangchuk resting, noting that it has been “19 days” and stressing that the nation cannot afford to wait until it’s too late to listen. She remarked, “Regardless of political views, we must protect the future of our students.”

Music composer Vishal Dadlani, speaking from the United States, expressed his solidarity with the students and Wangchuk, stating, “They are not asking for a regime change; this is about student rights. I urge the government to heed their demands.” Author Shobhaa De highlighted doctors’ warnings that the next 24 to 48 hours could be critical for Wangchuk’s health.

Actor Atul Kulkarni announced a personal one-day fast on July 16, expressing his desire to empathize with the struggles faced by Wangchuk and his supporters, and called on the government to demonstrate sensitivity to the situation.

Content creators also joined the movement. Munawar Faruqui emphasized that the strike aims for “the betterment of education and students in our country,” asserting that Wangchuk is fighting for the nation, not against it. Bhuvan Bam shared, “Baat cheet se saare hal nikal aate hain. Umeed hai koi sunn le bas.” YouTuber Scout, known as Tanmay Singh, encouraged fellow creators to raise their voices.

Since commencing his fast on June 28, Wangchuk has lost over nine kilograms, according to the doctors monitoring his condition. He remains resolute in his decision to continue the hunger strike and plans to participate in the CJP's march to Parliament on July 20.