15 July,2026 11:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Deepika Padukone. Pic via Instagram
A screenshot claiming to show Deepika Padukone extending support to activist Sonam Wangchuk has gone viral on social media, with several users alleging that the actress deleted the Instagram Story just minutes after posting it. However, the claim has now been debunked, with no evidence suggesting that Deepika ever shared the post.
The viral screenshot appears to show an alleged Instagram Story in which Deepika re-shared a post featuring Wangchuk's photograph with the caption, "He is fasting. We are scrolling." The screenshot also claims she wrote, "Why is no one speaking about this? We are living through the darkest hour of democracy," followed by, "No matter how many films are made to glorify a failed leader, the reality remains unchanged."
The image quickly gained traction across X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and other platforms, prompting speculation over whether the actress had quietly removed the post. One user even claimed that Deepika had deleted the Story after posting it, questioning whether external pressure led to its removal.
The screenshot has since fuelled widespread online discussion, with many believing the actress had publicly backed Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing protest.
Despite the viral buzz, there is no evidence to support the claim that Deepika Padukone ever shared the alleged Instagram Story. A review of the actress' verified Instagram account, along with credible news reports and archived social media activity, shows no trace of the post.
The screenshot is believed to have been digitally manipulated, and there is nothing to indicate that Deepika posted or later deleted the message. As a result, the viral claim has been deemed false, and social media users have been urged not to circulate the screenshot without verifying its authenticity.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The activist is currently on the 18th day of his fast in support of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and other examination irregularities.
As concerns over his health continue to grow, several celebrities have publicly voiced their support for Wangchuk, including Swara Bhasker, Kaka, Shabana Azmi, Soni Razdan, Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol, Omi Vaidya, Anurag Kashyap and Munawar Faruqui. Many of them have also appealed to the government to initiate a dialogue with the activist.
