Omi Vaidya makes emotional appeal as Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike enters day 17

Actor Omi Vaidya, who played the memorable character ‘Chatur Ramalingam’ in the hit Bollywood film 3 Idiots, has extended his open support to Sonam Wangchuk, the renowned education reformer and environmental activist from Ladakh. Wangchuk is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Sharing an emotional video on social media, Vaidya reminded people that the character ‘Phunsukh Wangdu’—portrayed by Aamir Khan in 3 Idiots—was inspired by the real-life Sonam Wangchuk. He appealed to the public and the media to pay serious attention to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health and his demands. Before Vaidya, veteran actor Prakash Raj had also openly supported Wangchuk’s movement.

“I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to lose his life”: Omi Vaidya

In a video posted on social media on Tuesday, Omi Vaidya introduced himself in the style of ‘Chatur’ from 3 Idiots. Speaking in a deeply sensitive tone, he said, “I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to lose his life.” Recalling a personal meeting with Sonam Wangchuk, Vaidya described him as a remarkably humble and inspiring individual. He said, “Do you know that Phunsukh Wangdu from 3 Idiots is actually based on a real engineer, innovator, educator, and social reformer from Ladakh—Sonam Wangchuk? I have met this amazing person. He is truly a fascinating and great human being.”

Concern over deteriorating health and media apathy

The actor expressed deep concern regarding Sonam Wangchuk’s rapidly declining health due to the hunger strike. He noted that Wangchuk’s blood sugar level had dropped to a dangerously low level as a result of abstaining from food for such an extended period. Questioning the mainstream media, Omi said, “I don’t know if you are aware of this or not. I also don’t know if our mainstream media is covering this highly sensitive issue, but it is a matter of immense importance and seriousness for all of us.”

An emotional appeal to spare time from daily busy schedules

Acknowledging the daily preoccupations of the general public, Omi urged them to devote just a few moments to this major national issue. He said, “We are all ordinary people, often so engrossed in new office projects, work pressure, and domestic responsibilities that we frequently fail to pay attention to such crucial social issues. However, I request you all to pause for just a second, set aside your busy schedules, and take a look at what is happening at Jantar Mantar. If you understand their demands, you will realize just how vital this fight is.” He appealed to people to share this issue on social media and make their voices heard by the government.

The primary reason behind Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike

Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned education reformer and environmentalist from Ladakh, has long been vocal about various social and regional issues. He has joined a major ongoing protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Initiated under the leadership of the ‘Cockroach Janta Party,’ the movement began as a protest against alleged serious irregularities and rigging in the medical entrance exam (NEET) and has now been continuing uninterrupted for over 24 days. Standing firm on his demands, Wangchuk is currently on a fast-unto-death, a move that has garnered him significant support from the Bollywood and artistic communities.