3 Idiots 'Silencer' makes emotional appeal to save Sonam Wangchuk (Img: X)
New Delhi: Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for portraying Chatur Ramalingam, popularly known as "Silencer", in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, has appealed for public attention to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing indefinite hunger strike, expressing concern over his deteriorating health.
Wangchuk's fast entered its 17th day on Tuesday, with supporters claiming he has lost around 8.5 kg since the protest began.
In a video shared on Instagram, Vaidya referred to Wangchuk as the real-life inspiration behind the character Phunsukh Wangdu from 3 Idiots and urged people to learn more about his campaign.
"I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die," the actor said, adding that he had met Wangchuk and found him to be "a pretty interesting character" who had accomplished "incredible" work while remaining humble.
Vaidya encouraged people to understand the issues behind the protest instead of ignoring them, saying the concerns raised by Wangchuk could affect ordinary citizens and their families.
According to updates from the protest site, Wangchuk has lost approximately 8.5 kg since beginning his indefinite hunger strike. His blood pressure was reported to be 109/70, while supporters said his health continues to be monitored closely.
Expressing concern, Vaidya said that regardless of political or ideological differences, he hoped Wangchuk's life could be saved.
"Whether you agree with him or not, I don't really want this guy to die. I think he's a pretty impressive person and I would like for him to live," he said.
Wangchuk joined the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on June 28 and has been on an indefinite hunger strike since then.
The organisation is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. It has also sought compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following reported examination irregularities.
The protest itself began on June 20 and has now continued for 25 days.
The ongoing agitation has received support from leaders across party lines. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while continuing his campaign. An Aam Aadmi Party delegation led by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also visited the protest site and expressed solidarity.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has voiced support for the movement, while CPI(M) MP Amra Ram and other Left leaders also visited Jantar Mantar to back the protesters.
