New Delhi | Updated: July 16, 2026
Actor Atul Kulkarni has announced that he will observe a day-long fast at his home on Thursday in solidarity with education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The protest is also demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam paper leaks.
Kulkarni shared a video on social media on Wednesday evening, extending his support to Wangchuk and those protesting with him.
The ‘Rang De Basanti’ actor said he wanted to connect with the pain that Wangchuk and his companions were going through.
He also appealed to the government to show sensitivity towards the demands raised by the protesters.
Kulkarni said Wangchuk and his companions believe there are serious and painful reasons behind their protest.
He added that while the government may believe the demands are not justified, it should still respond with sensitivity.
The actor urged people to observe a one-day fast in support of Wangchuk.
He said people should try to connect pain with pain and begin a peaceful movement through a symbolic one-day hunger strike.
Several members of the film fraternity have already extended support to Wangchuk.
Actors and filmmakers including Omi Vaidya, Zeenat Aman, Soni Razdan, Shabana Azmi, Anurag Kashyap and Abhay Deol have expressed concern over his health and urged him to end his fast.
According to the latest medical bulletin issued by Dr Satish Lamba, Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg since beginning his hunger strike.
His blood sugar was recorded at 80 mg/dL and his pulse rate at 72 per minute.
His blood pressure was 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting.
Doctors said Wangchuk’s hydration was fair and that he remained mentally alert.
However, concerns over his health have continued to grow as his fast entered its 19th day.
