Omi Vaidya Backs Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike, Says ‘Don’t Let Phunsukh Wangdu Die’

Actor Omi Vaidya, widely remembered for playing Chatur Ramalingam in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots, has expressed support for educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

Drawing a connection to 3 Idiots, Vaidya referenced Phunsukh Wangdu, the film's iconic character inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, and appealed to the public to pay attention to the activist's deteriorating health and the issues behind his protest.

Sharing a video on social media, Vaidya began with an emotional message, saying, "I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die." Introducing himself as Chatur from 3 Idiots, he urged viewers to listen carefully, adding that he rarely makes such public appeals.

The actor reminded audiences that Aamir Khan's character Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, describing the Ladakhi engineer, innovator and educator as a humble and remarkable individual. Having met Wangchuk personally, Vaidya said he admired his work and encouraged people to learn more about his contributions.

Speaking about the ongoing protest, Vaidya said Wangchuk's blood sugar levels had dropped significantly due to the prolonged fast and expressed concern over the limited attention the issue had received. He urged people to understand the reasons behind the hunger strike, which include concerns related to education, Ladakh's autonomy and environmental issues.

While acknowledging that people may hold different opinions on the protest, Vaidya stressed that he did not want Wangchuk's life to be at risk and encouraged citizens to take time to understand the larger issues being raised.

The actor's appeal came amid growing concern over Wangchuk's health. According to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is leading the protest, Wangchuk has lost nearly 9 kilograms since beginning his indefinite hunger strike and his condition has continued to deteriorate.

Activist and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan also amplified Vaidya's message by sharing the video on social media. In his post, Bhushan noted that the actor who portrayed Chatur in 3 Idiots had publicly supported the real-life inspiration behind Phunsukh Wangdu and questioned whether other members of the film's cast would also respond.

Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28, while the larger demonstration began on June 20. The protest is seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and has also demanded compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy.

The organisers have also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session, as support for the protest continues to grow among opposition leaders, student organisations and civil society groups.

Key Highlights

• Omi Vaidya has extended support to Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike.
• The actor referenced Phunsukh Wangdu from 3 Idiots, a character inspired by Wangchuk.
• Vaidya urged people to pay attention to Wangchuk's deteriorating health.
• Organisers claim Wangchuk has lost nearly 9 kg during the hunger strike.
• Prashant Bhushan also shared Vaidya's appeal on social media.
• Protest organisers plan a march to Parliament on July 20.

FAQs

Why did Omi Vaidya support Sonam Wangchuk?

Omi Vaidya appealed for public attention towards Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike, expressing concern over his worsening health and urging people to understand the issues behind the protest.

What did Omi Vaidya say?

The actor said, "I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die," referring to the 3 Idiots character inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, and called on people to learn about the activist's work and ongoing protest.

Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?

According to organisers, Wangchuk is protesting over issues related to education, Ladakh's autonomy and environmental concerns while supporting broader demands linked to alleged NEET examination irregularities.

How long has Sonam Wangchuk been fasting?

Wangchuk joined the indefinite hunger strike on June 28, 2026, after the larger protest began on June 20.

What are the protesters demanding?

The protest demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET irregularities and compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy.

Who is Phunsukh Wangdu?

Phunsukh Wangdu is the fictional character portrayed by Aamir Khan in 3 Idiots, widely believed to have been inspired by educator and innovator Sonam Wangchuk.