Actor Swara Bhasker has spoken candidly about why she believes many Bollywood celebrities have remained silent over educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike. Speaking at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where Wangchuk has been protesting, Swara said that fear is preventing many actors from publicly supporting the movement.
During an interview with The Lallantop, Swara was asked why the film industry has not shown the same level of support for Sonam Wangchuk’s protest as it did for Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement in 2011.
Responding to the question, Swara said many celebrities are hesitant because they fear facing consequences for expressing their views.
“They see what has happened to me and believe the same could happen to them if they speak out. That is why many people are staying silent,” she said.
The actor also pointed out that she believes the political atmosphere today is very different from what it was over a decade ago. Comparing the current situation with 2011, Swara said the environment has become much more difficult for activists and students, adding that people are now more cautious about raising their voices publicly.
Despite criticising the silence, Swara made it clear that she does not blame individual actors for choosing not to speak. Instead, she urged people not to judge the importance of a cause based on celebrity endorsements.
“Don’t place so much trust in celebrities. A cause doesn’t become important because famous people support it. It is important on its own,” she said.
Swara also explained why she decided to stand with Sonam Wangchuk. She said the protest is not only about examination reforms but also about the future of the country’s students, including her own daughter. She added that she wants her daughter to grow up, study, and build a future in India rather than feeling compelled to seek opportunities abroad.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 28. His protest began in support of demands for accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and broader reforms in India’s examination system. The movement has also highlighted concerns over student welfare and the need for greater transparency in competitive exams.
Despite repeated appeals from supporters and public figures to end his fast, Wangchuk has remained firm. Instead of asking people to persuade him to eat, he has urged citizens to join his peaceful march to Parliament on July 20 and continue demanding dialogue with the government.
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk have said his condition remains serious. According to his medical team, he has lost nearly nine kilograms since beginning the hunger strike, has suffered muscle loss, and continues to be under close medical observation.
Over the past few weeks, several members of the film industry, including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, Abhay Deol, Anurag Kashyap, Omi Vaidya, Sonakshi Sinha, Atul Kulkarni, Shreya Dhanwanthary and Prakash Raj, have publicly expressed support for Wangchuk and his campaign.
Swara Bhasker’s remarks have once again sparked discussion about the role of celebrities in social movements, while also highlighting the growing concern surrounding Sonam Wangchuk’s health and the ongoing demand for education reforms in the country.
