Vivek Oberoi Avoids Political Commentary on Hunger Strike

Actor Vivek Oberoi has opted not to comment on activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, stating his preference to avoid political issues. While he acknowledges the importance of free expression in a democracy, his stance contrasts with the support shown by other celebrities for Wangchuk's cause. As Wangchuk continues his fast, demanding accountability in education, the reactions from the entertainment industry highlight a divide in engagement with political activism. Discover more about the ongoing protest and the responses from various public figures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 15:06 IST

Actor's Stance on Political Issues

Vivek Oberoi, the well-known actor, has chosen not to comment on activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike, expressing a desire to remain uninvolved in political matters. Speaking to the press, he stated, “I am an actor, not a politician. Therefore, I don’t focus on political issues. I prefer to observe and learn. There’s so much to see and learn in life.”

Observations on Democracy

When further questioned about the protest taking place at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Oberoi shifted the focus to the health of India's democracy instead of addressing Wangchuk's specific demands. He remarked, “What I have observed is that this is a new phenomenon, and I believe that in a healthy democracy, every voice deserves to be heard. If people are expressing their opinions, it signifies a healthy democracy.”

Reactions from Other Celebrities

Oberoi's reluctance to engage with the protest mirrors the sentiments of other celebrities. Recently, singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, during an Instagram Live session, also distanced himself from the protest, stating, “Keep me away from protests. I am an artist, not a politician.” This comment drew criticism from some within the protest community, including Cockroach Janata Party spokesperson Saurav Das, who expressed disappointment and urged public figures to address issues affecting youth and exam irregularities.

Support for Sonam Wangchuk

In contrast to Oberoi and Dosanjh, many prominent figures from the film industry have shown their support for Wangchuk. Notable names such as Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Sonakshi Sinha, and Naseeruddin Shah have publicly backed the activist. Wangchuk is currently on the 20th day of his fast, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. Medical professionals have reported that he is in a weakened state, having lost over 9 kg since the start of his protest, yet he remains resolute in continuing his fast.