Fatima Sana Shaikh calls Sonam Wangchuk's health decline 'heartbreaking', urges dialogue
Synopsis
Fatima Sana Shaikh's Instagram appeal for Sonam Wangchuk on Day 19 of his hunger strike puts a spotlight on what is fast becoming a celebrity-backed pressure campaign. With Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, and others already vocal, the protest over exam irregularities is drawing national attention — and the government has yet to respond publicly.
Key Takeaways
Fatima Sana Shaikh publicly backed Sonam Wangchuk on 16 July , calling his health decline 'heartbreaking' in an Instagram post.
Sonam Wangchuk entered the 19th day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi over alleged exam irregularities.
He has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan .
Celebrities including Shabana Azmi , Naseeruddin Shah , Prakash Raj , and Zeenat Aman had earlier voiced support.
Shabana Azmi urged Wangchuk to end his fast, saying India still needs his 'guidance and leadership'.
Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh on Thursday publicly backed engineer and activist Sonam Wangchuk, expressing deep concern over his deteriorating health as he entered the 19th day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Wangchuk has been protesting against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Fatima's Emotional Appeal
Taking to Instagram, Fatima shared photographs from the protest site alongside a heartfelt message. '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 wrote.
She added: '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.'
Wangchuk's Protest and Demands
Sonam Wangchuk, widely known for his work in education and sustainable development in Ladakh, has been on a prolonged fast at Jantar Mantar over what he describes as systemic irregularities in the competitive examination process. His central demand is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. As of 16 July, the protest had stretched to 19 days, with his health reportedly worsening.
Bollywood Rallies Behind Wangchuk
Fatima is among a growing list of film industry voices to publicly support Wangchuk. Actors including Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol, Soni Razdan, and Omi Vaidya had earlier expressed solidarity with the activist.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi made a particularly emotional appeal, urging Wangchuk to end his fast. In her Instagram post, she wrote: 'Dear Sonam Wangchuk, Our country needs people like you. You are standing against injustice and standing up for the truth, and we are proud of you. Therefore, we humbly request you to end your fast, because your guidance and support inspire and encourage our students. This struggle has a long road ahead, and it is important for you to remain healthy so that you can continue to lead and guide. We stand with you.'
What Happens Next
With Wangchuk's health deteriorating and no official dialogue reported as of 16 July, pressure on the government is mounting from civil society, students, and now prominently from the entertainment fraternity. Whether the Centre responds with formal talks remains to be seen, but the growing chorus of public voices is making the protest increasingly difficult to ignore.
Point of View
But celebrity support alone rarely moves government policy. What is notable here is the framing: by centering student futures rather than Ladakh-specific politics, figures like Fatima Sana Shaikh are broadening the protest's appeal beyond its regional base. The government's silence through 19 days of a high-profile fast — by a figure with genuine national credibility — is itself a political choice, and one that carries reputational cost the longer it continues.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?
Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to protest alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. He has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over concerns about the integrity of the examination system.
How long has Sonam Wangchuk been on hunger strike?
As of 16 July, Wangchuk had been on hunger strike for 19 days. His health has reportedly been deteriorating, prompting appeals from celebrities and civil society figures for the government to initiate dialogue.
What did Fatima Sana Shaikh say about Sonam Wangchuk?
Fatima Sana Shaikh shared an emotional Instagram post on Thursday calling it 'heartbreaking' to watch Wangchuk's health decline. She urged immediate dialogue and said that 'a student's future is worth protecting', regardless of political affiliation.
Which other celebrities have supported Sonam Wangchuk?
Several prominent figures from the film industry have expressed support, including Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol, Soni Razdan, and Omi Vaidya. Shabana Azmi also made a personal appeal urging Wangchuk to end his fast.
Has the government responded to Sonam Wangchuk's demands?
No formal government response or dialogue had been reported as of 16 July. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whose resignation Wangchuk has demanded, has not publicly addressed the protest in the available reports.
