What began as a satirical movement mocking a judicial remark has evolved into one of Delhi’s most closely watched protests, and Bollywood’s involvement has pushed it further into the national conversation.
Anurag Kashyap Leads the Criticism
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap emerged as one of the most vocal celebrity supporters, criticising the establishment’s silence over Wangchuk’s deteriorating condition. Taking to Instagram, Kashyap admitted he lacked the courage to do what Wangchuk was doing, calling him a “brave heart.”
“There was a time when hunger strike had some meaning. It’s really troubling when the system becomes so indifferent to people’s lives….”
Bhumi Pednekar lent her support to the protesting students, asking what these non-violent people — who had come out simply to seek answers about their future education — were even being protested against.
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Shabana Azmi — fell ill while participating at Jantar Mantar; said, “We are here to hold a peaceful protest. This is a right guaranteed by our Constitution. Mahatma Gandhi taught us the path of non-violence. We have no intention of resorting to violence.” She also said her husband Javed Akhtar had written to PM Modi urging dialogue, but never got a substantive reply.
Riteish Deshmukh — posted in solidarity: “We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country. Their voices deserve to be heard — loud, clear, and without fear.”
Huma Qureshi — condemned the alleged lathi-charge, saying every citizen deserves to be heard.
A Widening List of Film Personalities
Actors such as Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Soni Razdan, Abhay Deol, Rubina Dilaik, Swara Bhaskar, Prakash Raj and Omi Vaidya voiced solidarity with Wangchuk as concerns mounted over his health.
Swara Bhaskar went a step further, visiting Wangchuk in person at Jantar Mantar on July 14, where she thanked him and the CJP for what she described as fighting for the future of children. Prakash Raj also travelled to Delhi to sit with CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke and express solidarity directly.
From Student Rights to a Larger Democratic Debate
While Wangchuk‘s fast was centred on demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged NEET-UG irregularities, the involvement of high-profile cultural figures reframed the protest as a broader referendum on dissent itself.
