'I'm not anti-national':Sonam Wangchuk gets support from Sonakshi Sinha; asks, 'Will you wake up after we die?'

Actor Atul Kulkarni has announced a one-day fast in solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike. Actress Sonakshi Sinha and comedian Samay Raina have also extended their support to Wangchuk. Kulkarni said he will observe the fast at his home on July 16 as a symbolic gesture to stand with Wangchuk and those protesting alongside him. He said the initiative is meant to express solidarity with their cause and urge the government to respond with compassion. The actor also appealed to citizens across the country to join him by observing a one-day fast in support of Wangchuk. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike as part of the 'Cockroach Janata Party' campaign, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. July 16 marks the 19th day of his fast, with several Bollywood personalities now voicing their support. Among them, actress Sonakshi Sinha shared a video on Instagram, saying she had never felt the need to make a public appeal before, but could no longer stay silent. She described Wangchuk as someone who has made significant contributions to the country and said he is fighting for the future of students, who she believes have been let down by the system. Sonakshi added that young people across the country have been raising their voices over the issue, yet meaningful dialogue has not begun. Calling herself one of those young citizens, she said she chose to speak out because she wants a better future for the country. In her video, Sonakshi also questioned the authorities, saying, "I just want to ask—when will enough be enough? Will you only wake up after these people lose their lives? And if that happens, who will take responsibility? What is happening is simply not right." Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh also voiced her support on social media. She pointed out that Sonam Wangchuk has now been on a hunger strike for 19 days, adding that no one should have to wait this long just to be heard. Fatima said it was unfortunate that someone who has contributed so much to the country was forced to put his health at risk to draw attention to the issue. She stressed that, regardless of political differences, safeguarding the future of students should remain a priority. Expressing hope for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, Fatima wished Wangchuk good health and urged people to stand together for a better future for the country's youth. Comedian Samay Raina also shared Sonam Wangchuk's picture and wrote that he hopes and prays that Wangchuk remains safe and that the entire matter is resolved soon through dialogue. Meanwhile, earlier, many celebrities like Soni Razdan, Shabana Azmi, Rubina Dilaik, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Anurag Kashyap had also posted in support of Sonam Wangchuk. Actress Swara Bhaskar reached Jantar Mantar and expressed her support by meeting Sonam Wangchuk. Earlier, Prakash Raj had also reached Jantar Mantar.