Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike: 'Ab dekha nahi ja raha...', says Sonakshi Sinha, asks 'Why is nobody listening?' as hunger strike enters Day 19

Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 19th day on Wednesday, drawing fresh support from Bollywood after actor Sonakshi Sinha broke her silence with an emotional appeal. Backing the climate activist, Sonakshi urged the government to begin a dialogue before his health deteriorates further, saying she could no longer remain silent.

As the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike continues over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and examination-related irregularities at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, actors Fatima Sana Shaikh, Imran Khan and Aditi Rao Hydari have also voiced their support.

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Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike: Sonakshi Sinha says she could no longer stay silent

Speaking about the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike, Sonakshi Sinha said she felt compelled to address the issue publicly after watching the activist continue his indefinite fast.

"I've never given a statement out like this, but today we can't ignore him. Sonam Wangchuk. We all know him. We know what he has done for our country, what his achievements are and how many awards he has won."

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Referring to Wangchuk's prolonged fast, she added: "He is hungry. He hasn't eaten anything. For whom is he doing this? He is doing this for the future of children who lost their lives. He is fighting a system which is not working properly. I know this. You know this. We all know this."

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A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona)

Questioning why there had been no meaningful response, Sonakshi said: "A lot many people are still silent. I can't stay silent. Whatever will happen, let it happen. No problem. I can't remain silent."

Appealing to the authorities to engage with the activist, she added: "Why is nobody listening. Nobody cares. Nobody is open for a dialogue."

Addressing possible criticism over her remarks, Sonakshi concluded: "Main koi anti-national nahi hu."

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Fatima Sana Shaikh urges action as Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike enters Day 19

Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh also expressed concern over the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike, urging authorities to respond before the situation becomes more serious.

Sharing photographs of Wangchuk on Instagram, she wrote: "It’s now been 19 days! We cannot keep waiting until it’s too late to start listening… Someone like Sonam Wangchuk, who has given so much to this country, shouldn’t have to risk his health just to be heard."

She also urged people to look beyond political differences and focus on students' future.

"Whatever your politics, a student’s future is worth protecting. It’s really very heartbreaking to watch someone like him deteriorate like this. I hope this ends with dialogue, not us losing Sonam Wangchuk! The youth of today will carry this nation forward. The least we can do is stand by them and support their right to a fair future."

Her post received support from fellow actors Vaani Kapoor, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor and Sanya Malhotra.

Imran Khan calls for accountability

Actor Imran Khan also supported students affected by the alleged NEET-UG 2026 controversy, saying the issue should not be political.

"This isn't a political debate... or at least, it shouldn't be," he wrote on Instagram.

Calling for accountability, he added: "If we expect students to take exams with integrity, then they are also owed the same degree of accountability."

He concluded by writing: "I see you... it is my honour to stand beside you."

Aditi Rao Hydari joins voices backing Sonam Wangchuk

Actor Aditi Rao Hydari also shared her support by reposting Wangchuk's message on Instagram Stories.

She wrote: "Political differences shape a nation's politics. Humanity shapes its character. This life is invaluable ������ #sonamwangchuk"

Film fraternity continues to rally behind Sonam Wangchuk

The Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike has received widespread support from the entertainment industry. Earlier, Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, Soni Razdan, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol, Prakash Raj, Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker, Omi Vaidya, Gauahar Khan, Raghav Juyal, Rakhi Sawant and Munawar Faruqui also appealed for dialogue and expressed concern over his health.

Earlier, Zeenat Aman had written: "My thoughts today are in the country's capital city where @wangchuksworld is entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike... Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won't even have a dialogue."

Sonam Wangchuk asks supporters to join July 20 Parliament march

Despite growing concern over his health, Sonam Wangchuk has urged supporters not to focus on ending his fast but on the larger cause.

"I'm not in good shape but not so bad either… Rather than asking me to break my fast please join me on 20th July… Peaceful March to the Parliament," he said in a recent video message.

The Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike is being held as part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and other examination-related irregularities. A peaceful march to Parliament has been announced for July 20.

(With TOI inputs)