Filmmaker Kiran Rao has expressed solidarity with climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination entered its 20th day on Friday.
Rao’s statement comes a day after actor Aamir Khan rejected the long-standing claim that his character Rancho in the 2009 film 3 Idiots was inspired by Wangchuk. While dismissing the speculation, Khan also voiced concern over the activist’s health and appealed for him to end his fast.
Kiran Rao voices support for Wangchuk
Showing her support, Rao changed her Instagram profile picture to an image of Wangchuk carrying the message, “I Support Sonam.”
In a statement shared on social media, she said she stood with Wangchuk, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, and others participating in the protest over issues affecting students.
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Rao praised those observing the hunger strike, saying their efforts had highlighted concerns surrounding the education system and reminded citizens that every voice matters in a democracy.
She also expressed disappointment over what she described as the lack of response from authorities despite the protest continuing for nearly three weeks.
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Urging the government to engage with the protesters, Rao said meaningful dialogue was necessary to understand the concerns being raised and to bring the standoff to an end.
Hunger strike over alleged NEET irregularities
Wangchuk has been fasting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in support of the Cockroach Janata Party’s campaign over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
The CJP has demanded accountability for the alleged examination irregularities, education reforms, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The organisation has also called for compensation for families of students allegedly affected by the controversy.
The protest has attracted support from students, civil society groups and public figures across the country.
Aamir Khan clarifies ‘3 Idiots’ speculation
Earlier, Aamir Khan addressed the widespread belief that Rancho, the lead character he portrayed in 3 Idiots, was modelled on Sonam Wangchuk.
The actor said the claim was incorrect, adding that neither he nor the film’s writers were aware of Wangchuk while making the film, which was released in 2009.
However, Khan expressed concern over Wangchuk’s declining health and said he hoped the activist would end his indefinite fast soon.
Celebrities rally behind Wangchuk
Support for Wangchuk has continued to grow, with several members of the film industry and digital creator community appealing for dialogue between the government and the activist.
Veteran actor Zeenat Aman described Wangchuk as one of India’s leading thinkers and urged authorities to engage with him.
Actor Omi Vaidya, who appeared alongside Aamir Khan in 3 Idiots, shared an emotional message referencing his character Phunsukh Wangdu, saying he did not want Wangchuk to suffer.
Actor Sonakshi Sinha said seeking dialogue with the government should not be viewed as anti-national.
Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah jointly praised Wangchuk’s leadership while requesting him to end his fast and continue advocating for education reforms through other means.
Actor Shabana Azmi also appealed to Wangchuk to safeguard his health so that he could continue his work for students and society.
Several other film personalities, including Abhay Deol, Prakash Raj, Soni Razdan, Atul Kulkarni, and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, have also voiced support.
Among digital creators, Bhuvan Bam, Munawar Faruqui, Ashish Chanchlani, and Purav Jha have amplified Wangchuk’s message through their social media platforms.
Calls for dialogue grow louder
As Wangchuk’s hunger strike entered its 20th day, appeals from public figures have focused on two key demands—urging the government to open discussions with the protesters and asking the activist to prioritise his health while continuing his campaign for education reforms.
The protest has become one of the most closely watched public movements over alleged examination irregularities, with growing attention on whether the Centre will respond through formal dialogue.
