Kiran Rao supports Sonam Wangchuk as Aamir Khan denies 3 Idiots role was based on her
Kiran Rao joined the public figures who urged Sonam Wangchuk to end her fast and asked the central government to initiate talks on her demands. The appeal comes as his NEET-related protests enter their 20th day, garnering widespread support and growing concern over his health.
Filmmaker Kiran Rao has extended his support to climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk as her indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday. His statement came soon after actor Aamir Khan dismissed the long-held belief 3 idiots The character of Rancho was based on Wangchuk, and he also expressed concern over the worker’s deteriorating health.
Wangchuk is sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. Their protest has received support from across the country, with many film personalities and digital creators urging the government to talk to them and end their fast for the sake of their health. Supporters have also linked the protests to demands for education reforms, accountability for paper leaks and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
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Like many other celebrities, Kiran Rao also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health during the fast. To show solidarity, she changed her Instagram display photo to Wangchuk’s photo with the message, “I support Sonam.”
In his note, Rao wrote, “I stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijit Deepke, CJP and all citizens of this country, young and old, who are protesting for the rights of our students. My salute to Sonam ji, Neha, Manish, Amin and all others for going on a hunger strike to ensure justice. Our country is grateful to you for snapping us out of our apathy and reminding us that every voice matters.”
She said, “It is very sad to see complete silence on this hunger strike even after 19 days. What will it take for those in power to listen to the people? This is shocking and inhuman. I urge the government to dialogue with the protesters, understand the pain of the students and end this deadlock. We the people have the right to be heard. #Sonamwangchuk #Neet #CockroachJanataParty.”
Rao’s support comes as Aamir Khan addressed long-standing public perception about his character Rancho 3 idiots Wangchuk. The actor said that this notion is factually incorrect and that neither he nor the film’s writers knew about Wangchuk when making the 2009 film. At the same time, Aamir said that he is worried about Wangchuk’s deteriorating health and hopes that he will end his indefinite fast soon. This statement is his first reaction after entering the 20th day of his fast.
Wangchuk has also received support from many Bollywood celebrities and online creators. Zeenat Aman described him as one of the greatest minds of India and urged the authorities to talk to him. 3 idiots Actor Omi Vaidya shared an emotional video referring to the film’s character, saying, “I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die.” Sonakshi Sinha said that asking for talks with the government should never be seen as anti-national.
Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah jointly praised Wangchuk’s leadership and asked him to end the hunger strike and continue his long-term fight. Shabana Azmi also appreciated his commitment and appealed to him to protect his health so that he can continue to guide the students.
Other film personalities including Abhay Deol, Prakash Raj, Soni Razdan, Atul Kulkarni and Anurag Kashyap have also expressed support, while digital creators like Bhuvan Bam, Munawar Faruqui, Ashish Chanchlani and Purav Jha have extended their message on social media. Wangchuk’s fast has entered its 20th day, amid growing concerns over his health as calls for talks with the government and an end to the strike continue.