Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike has sparked conversations far beyond Delhi's Jantar Mantar. What began as a protest over alleged irregularities in India's education system and demands for accountability has now found support from several well-known voices across the entertainment industry.

Actors, writers and musicians have taken to social media, issued public statements and even visited the protest site, bringing wider attention to the movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). While each celebrity has approached the issue differently, many have urged authorities to engage in dialogue and address the concerns being raised.

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman emerged as one of the strongest voices supporting Wangchuk. In a detailed Instagram post, she reflected on his contribution to education and environmental innovation, describing him as one of India's finest minds. Instead of focusing solely on the protest, she appealed to the government to open discussions, saying peaceful protests deserve a peaceful response. Her post also highlighted Wangchuk's work with SECMOL, his Ice Stupa project and his role as the inspiration behind the beloved character Phunsukh Wangdu from ‘3 Idiots’.

Actor Prakash Raj chose to extend his support on the ground. He visited Jantar Mantar, met Wangchuk and interacted with the protesters. Sharing photographs from the site, Raj described his presence as an act of solidarity with young Indians demanding accountability. His visit added visibility to the protest as it continued to gather momentum online.

Singer Chinmayi Sripaada voiced concern over Wangchuk's health, expressing hope that he would eventually end his fast. While backing the larger cause, she questioned whether prolonged silence from those in power was putting the activist's life at unnecessary risk.

For Omi Vaidya, the issue carried a personal connection. Best remembered as Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, the actor shared an emotional video urging attention to Wangchuk's condition. He said he did not want to see the education reformer lose his life over the protest.

His appeal was later reshared by actor Ayesha Khan, who admitted she had been unaware of the movement and called on media platforms to give the issue greater visibility. 

Actor Abhay Deol also lent his support by sharing Zeenat Aman's appeal along with an image of Wangchuk from the protest site, signalling solidarity without lengthy commentary.

Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah joined a larger group of writers, academics and public figures in signing a statement supporting the protesters' demands. At the same time, they appealed to those on hunger strike to end their fast, expressing concern over their deteriorating health while reiterating support for education reforms and accountability.

Actor Atul Kulkarni addressed students directly through social media, encouraging young people to shape the country's future with integrity and compassion. His message reflected the broader concern surrounding the state of India's education system.

Actor Swara Bhaskar visited Jantar Mantar, met both Sonam Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, and later shared photographs from the protest. She described Wangchuk as an unwavering voice fighting for the future of students and thanked those leading the movement for keeping the issue in public focus.

Why is the CJP protesting?

The Cockroach Janta Party says its protest is centred on repeated allegations of examination paper leaks, recruitment controversies and what it calls a lack of accountability in India's education system. The group has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, independent investigations into the alleged irregularities, and reforms aimed at restoring trust in competitive examinations.

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As Wangchuk's fast continues, celebrity endorsements have shifted public attention from individual statements to a broader conversation on education, transparency and democratic dialogue.