Omi Vaidya to Zeenat Aman: Bollywood Rallies Behind Sonam Wangchuk As His Hunger Strike Over NEET Scam Enters Day 17

The ongoing indefinite hunger strike by renowned education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has garnered significant attention from the Bollywood fraternity, with several prominent personalities extending their support and expressing grave concern over his deteriorating health. Wangchuk, widely known as the inspiration behind Aamir Khan's character Phunsukh Wangdu in the blockbuster film '3 Idiots', is fasting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2026 examination and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Zeenat Aman Backs Sonam Wangchuk As His Hunger Strike Against Centre Enters Day 17 (View Post).

Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Enters Day 17 Amid Health Concerns

Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28, making July 14, 2026, the 17th day of his fast. The protest, largely spearheaded by the satirical political outfit Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is intensifying its call for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Organisers report a significant decline in Wangchuk's health since he commenced his fast, with claims of him losing nearly 9 kg of body weight, with specifically 8.2 kg reported. His blood pressure has reportedly dropped to 107/70 mmHg, and blood glucose levels are critically low at 67 mg/dL, raising serious concerns among supporters. He is also reported to be experiencing muscle loss and immense pain.

Bollywood Celebrities Express Support and Appeal for Dialogue

The alarming reports of Wangchuk's worsening health have prompted a wave of support from the Bollywood industry. Veteran actor Zeenat Aman, a vocal advocate, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, emphasising Wangchuk's contributions as the founder of SECMOL, the innovator behind the ice stupa, and a pioneer of educational reform in Ladakh. Aman, 74, appealed to the Indian government to engage in a peaceful dialogue, stating, "We must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed."

Zeenat Aman Shows Support to Sonam Wangchuk

 

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Actor Abhay Deol, 50, also extended his solidarity by sharing a photograph of Wangchuk from the protest site on Instagram, accompanied by a broken heart emoji, signifying his concern.

Abhay Deol Reacts to Sonam Wangchuks Hunger Strike

 

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Omi Vaidya, best known for his role as Chatur Ramalingam in '3 Idiots', made an emotional appeal, urging people not to "let Phunsukh Wangdu die." Vaidya highlighted that the character of Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Wangchuk's real-life work, making his current struggle all the more poignant.

Omi Vaidya Backs Sonam Wangchuk

 

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Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, alongside writer Arundhati Roy and economist Jayati Ghosh, issued a joint statement. While expressing "immense gratitude" for Wangchuk's determination and courage, they also appealed to him to end his fast, stressing that "this battle is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need you, your strength and leadership in the days to come." Sonam Wangchuk at CJP Protest: Rose in Hand, Activist Joins Stir at Jantar Mantar Over Exam Transparency (Watch Video).

Other public figures, including actors Prakash Raj and Shreya Dhanwanthary, have also voiced their support for Wangchuk's movement, amplifying the growing calls for government intervention and dialogue.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2026 06:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).