As education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, support from the Indian film industry has continued to grow. While some celebrities chose to stand beside him at the protest site, others used their social media platforms to amplify his message and call for dialogue, justice, and education reforms.
- 1. Shabana Azmi – “Silence Is Not an Option”
- 2. Prakash Raj – Questioning the Government
- 3. Swara Bhasker – “Don’t Wait for Celebrities”
- 4. Kunal Kamra – Standing at the Protest
- 5. Sonakshi Sinha – Calling for Dialogue
- 6. Hrithik Roshan – “This Sounds True”
- 7. Soni Razdan – Raising Awareness
- 8. Zeenat Aman – Backing the Cause
- 9. Naseeruddin Shah – Standing for Students
- 10. Ratna Pathak Shah – Supporting Peaceful Protest
- 11. Abhay Deol – Early Voice of Support
- 12. Anurag Kashyap – Speaking Out
- 13. Omi Vaidya – Remembering ‘Phunsukh Wangdu’
- 14. Atul Kulkarni – Extending Solidarity
- 15. Sayaji Shinde – Voice for Reform
- 16. Shreya Dhanwanthary – Supporting Students
- A Growing Wave of Support
Here’s a look at the Bollywood personalities who have publicly supported Sonam Wangchuk and what they had to say.
1. Shabana Azmi – “Silence Is Not an Option”
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi joined the protest at Jantar Mantar, lending her voice to the movement. Standing alongside students and activists, she appealed for meaningful dialogue and urged authorities to address the concerns being raised instead of allowing the situation to escalate.
2. Prakash Raj – Questioning the Government
Actor Prakash Raj has been one of Wangchuk’s strongest supporters. After Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital, Raj criticised the authorities on social media, calling it a sign of fear rather than strength. He questioned why a peaceful protest was being handled in such a manner and repeatedly demanded transparency and dialogue.
3. Swara Bhasker – “Don’t Wait for Celebrities”
Actor Swara Bhasker, who has been present at the protest site, spoke openly about why many in Bollywood have remained silent. She suggested that fear prevents many celebrities from speaking up and reminded people that a cause does not become important only when celebrities endorse it.
She also said that the movement is about the future of students and the country, making it much bigger than individual personalities.
4. Kunal Kamra – Standing at the Protest
Comedian Kunal Kamra visited Jantar Mantar to show solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the protesting students. His presence reflected his continued support for public movements centred on accountability and democratic rights.
5. Sonakshi Sinha – Calling for Dialogue
Actor Sonakshi Sinha shared an emotional video urging the government to begin a conversation with Sonam Wangchuk instead of allowing his health to deteriorate further. She said she could no longer remain silent while watching the activist’s condition worsen and appealed for immediate dialogue.
6. Hrithik Roshan – “This Sounds True”
Hrithik Roshan reposted Sonam Wangchuk’s message on Instagram, saying the activist’s words resonated with him. Referring to his role as teacher Anand Kumar in Super 30, Hrithik said he understood the emotional trauma students face and expressed support for Wangchuk’s appeal.
7. Soni Razdan – Raising Awareness
Actor Soni Razdan extended her support through social media by sharing updates about Wangchuk’s protest. She urged people to pay attention to the issues being raised and highlighted the importance of protecting students’ futures.
8. Zeenat Aman – Backing the Cause
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Veteran actor Zeenat Aman expressed solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk online, joining several members of the film fraternity in supporting the demand for fairness and accountability in India’s examination system.
9. Naseeruddin Shah – Standing for Students
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah publicly backed Sonam Wangchuk’s movement, expressing concern over the activist’s health while supporting the larger demand for educational reforms and justice for students.
10. Ratna Pathak Shah – Supporting Peaceful Protest
Actor Ratna Pathak Shah also lent her voice to the movement, supporting Wangchuk’s peaceful protest and urging greater attention to the concerns raised by students and educators.
11. Abhay Deol – Early Voice of Support
Abhay Deol was among the first Bollywood actors to openly support Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike. He appealed to people to pay attention to the movement and emphasised the importance of protecting the integrity of India’s education system.
12. Anurag Kashyap – Speaking Out
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap used social media to back Wangchuk’s protest and called for accountability over the issues surrounding examination irregularities.
13. Omi Vaidya – Remembering ‘Phunsukh Wangdu’
Known for playing Chatur in 3 Idiots, Omi Vaidya reminded fans that many people associate Sonam Wangchuk with the inspiration behind Phunsukh Wangdu. He urged everyone to pay attention to Wangchuk’s declining health and support the cause.
14. Atul Kulkarni – Extending Solidarity
Actor Atul Kulkarni publicly supported the movement through social media, urging people to stand with students and demanding a peaceful resolution.
15. Sayaji Shinde – Voice for Reform
Veteran actor Sayaji Shinde also joined the growing list of celebrities backing Wangchuk, stressing the need for accountability and meaningful education reforms.
16. Shreya Dhanwanthary – Supporting Students
Actor Shreya Dhanwanthary expressed her solidarity online, highlighting that the movement is about protecting the aspirations and future of millions of students.
A Growing Wave of Support
As Sonam Wangchuk’s protest continues, more voices from the entertainment industry are joining the conversation. While some celebrities have physically stood beside him at Jantar Mantar, others have used their influence on social media to amplify his message.
Regardless of how they chose to participate, their common appeal has been for dialogue, transparency, and reforms that strengthen trust in India’s education system while ensuring that students’ concerns are heard.
