Zeenat Aman Backs Sonam Wangchuk, Urges Government to Hold Dialogue Amid Hunger Strike

Mumbai, July 2026 : Veteran Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman has voiced her support for education reformer and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, urging the government to engage in constructive dialogue as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Taking to Instagram, the veteran actress shared a heartfelt message expressing concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health after 17 days of fasting. She appealed to the authorities to address his concerns through peaceful discussions rather than allowing the situation to worsen.

Sharing a photograph of Wangchuk, Zeenat Aman wrote that her thoughts were with him as he entered the 17th day of his fast. Referring to media reports, she noted that the activist had begun losing muscle mass and was experiencing severe physical pain due to the prolonged protest.

The actress also highlighted Wangchuk’s response when asked to end his hunger strike, quoting him as saying: “Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue.”

Praising Wangchuk’s achievements, Zeenat described him as one of India’s most respected innovators and social reformers. She pointed out that he founded the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), pioneered the innovative Ice Stupa technology to address water scarcity in the Himalayas, and has worked extensively for educational reforms, environmental conservation and sustainable community development in Ladakh.

She also recalled that Wangchuk’s inspiring life and work served as the basis for the popular Bollywood character Phunsukh Wangdu, portrayed by actor Aamir Khan in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots.

Calling him a globally recognised changemaker, Zeenat Aman said Wangchuk had received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to society and continued to inspire millions through his commitment to education and environmental sustainability.

Expressing solidarity with his cause, the actress appealed to the government to begin meaningful discussions without delay.

“With respect to Mr. Wangchuk’s wishes, I implore the Indian government to open dialogue on this matter that concerns the future of all India. We must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed,” she wrote.

She further observed that peaceful protest has always been an integral part of India’s democratic tradition and stressed that those in positions of authority have a responsibility to respond through dialogue and engagement.

“India has a long history of peaceful protest; those who wield power are obliged to meet such protest with peaceful dialogue,” she added while extending her best wishes to Wangchuk and everyone supporting the movement.

Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the past 17 days. The protest, organised by the online satirical group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), seeks to draw attention to demands for educational reforms and other public policy issues.

As concerns grow over Wangchuk’s health, support for his movement has continued to expand. Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also extended his support to the activist’s cause while urging him to end his hunger strike in view of his declining health.

Team Maverick