Chandigarh | Updated: July 14, 2026
As Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered Day 17, actor Omi Vaidya extended support to the Ladakh innovator and appealed to people to pay attention to his campaign.
Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur Ramalingam in the film ‘3 Idiots,’ shared an emotional video on Instagram in support of Wangchuk.
In the video, the actor referred to Wangchuk as “Phunsukh Wangdu,” the fictional character played by Aamir Khan in Rajkumar Hirani’s 2009 film.
The character of Phunsukh Wangdu was widely believed to be inspired by Sonam Wangchuk.
“I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die,” Vaidya said while urging people to understand the issues raised by Wangchuk.
According to updates shared by those associated with the protest, Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since beginning his indefinite fast. His blood pressure was recorded at 109/70.
Vaidya said he had met Wangchuk and described him as a humble and inspiring person.
He said Wangchuk had done incredible work in his life and deserved attention and support.
The actor also urged people not to dismiss Wangchuk’s campaign merely because of political differences.
He said people may agree or disagree with Wangchuk, but they should not ignore the situation.
Vaidya’s appeal quickly went viral on social media.
However, the online conversation soon shifted to Aamir Khan, who played Rancho and Phunsukh Wangdu in ‘3 Idiots.’
Several fans questioned why Aamir had not publicly commented on Wangchuk’s hunger strike despite portraying a character inspired by him.
Social media users asked why the actor was silent when Wangchuk was protesting in real life.
Some users said it was easy to make a film inspired by someone’s life, but difficult to stand with that person during a real struggle.
Aamir Khan has not issued any public statement on Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike so far.
Wangchuk is participating in a protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party, which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
The protest began at Jantar Mantar on June 20.
Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and later began his indefinite fast.
The protesters are also demanding ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following alleged examination irregularities.
The agitation has received support from several political leaders.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra has appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast while continuing the movement.
An AAP delegation led by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, and CPI(M) MP Amra Ram has also extended support to the protest.
The CJP has announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session.
