16 July,2026 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Atul Kulkarni and Sonam Wangchuk. Pics via IMDb and X
Actor Atul Kulkarni has announced that he will observe a one-day hunger strike from his home on July 16 in solidarity with climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite fast over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and examination irregularities has entered a critical phase.
Sharing a video on social media, the Rang De Basanti actor said his decision was driven by two reasons - to stand with Wangchuk and the protesters enduring the fast, and to appeal to the government to open a dialogue instead of allowing the situation to escalate further.
"Tomorrow, July 16, I will observe a one-day fast from my home. The first reason is that I want to connect with the pain Sonam ji and his companions are going through. The second is to request the government to show sensitivity," Atul said.
The actor acknowledged that while Wangchuk and his supporters strongly believe in the issues they are raising, the government may hold a different view. However, he stressed that the lack of communication between both sides appeared to be the real concern.
"I don't think the government is deliberately insensitive. Perhaps there is no dialogue. I request the authorities to begin discussions without delay," he added.
Atul also encouraged those who empathise with Wangchuk's cause to join him in observing a symbolic one-day fast, saying, "Pain must connect with pain. Let's begin that journey together."
Sonam Wangchuk, who inspired Aamir Khan's character in 3 Idiots, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since June 28 after joining the Cockroach Janata Party's protest demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
As his fast entered its 19th day, concerns over his health have intensified. Reports suggest the activist has lost around 9 kg and remains under continuous medical supervision. While his ECG is reportedly normal, Wangchuk has spoken about severe weakness and muscle loss but has refused to end his protest.
CJP founder Abhijit Dipke, has also urged supporters not to tell Wangchuk to end his fast. "We asked Sonam sir about breaking the fast. He said, 'Please don't ask me to do it. Ask the government to listen to our demands'," he said. Dipke called on people to observe a one-day mass hunger strike on Thursday in solidarity with Wangchuk.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a Public Interest Litigation seeking urgent medical intervention for Wangchuk. The plea also requests permission for authorities to administer medical treatment if required, citing concerns over his deteriorating condition. The claim that his condition could become life-threatening within two days is part of the petition and has not been independently confirmed by his treating doctors.
Several members of the film fraternity, including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, Abhay Deol, Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker and Prakash Raj, have also voiced their support for Wangchuk's protest.
