Actor and television host Shekhar Suman has extended his support to social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, saying that the activist represents the conscience of the nation. In a strongly worded monologue on his political satire show Shekhar Tonite, Suman questioned the public and official silence surrounding Wangchuk’s protest and described him as “the one truly alive” among “living corpses.”
His remarks came as Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated following more than 20 days of fasting. The actor’s comments have added to the growing support from members of the film fraternity and public figures expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health and his ongoing protest.
‘Hum Sab Zinda Laashon Mein Woh Ek Akela Jeevit Hai’
During the latest episode of Shekhar Tonite, Suman expressed disbelief over what he described as widespread indifference towards Wangchuk’s hunger strike. He said that the activist was risking his life for the betterment of society, the future of students, and reforms in the education system.
In one of the most widely shared lines from his monologue, Suman remarked:
“Hum sab zinda laashon mein woh ek akela jeevit hai.”
The statement, which translates to “Among all of us living corpses, he alone is truly alive,” quickly gained attention on social media and became one of the most discussed moments from the episode.
Questions Government’s Silence
Shekhar Suman criticised what he described as the government’s silence over Wangchuk’s prolonged protest. He questioned why a person fasting for what he called the welfare of students and society had not received a meaningful response from those in authority.
The actor argued that democratic governments should not ignore peaceful protests and urged greater attention to the concerns being raised. His comments were framed around the need for empathy and dialogue rather than prolonged silence.
Support Comes Amid Wangchuk’s Hospitalisation
Suman’s remarks gained renewed attention after Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital on medical advice following concerns about his deteriorating health. Authorities said the decision was taken to ensure that he received necessary medical care after doctors warned about the risks associated with his prolonged fast.
Despite being admitted to the hospital, Wangchuk has continued his hunger strike, according to his family, while supporters have maintained that planned protest programmes, including a march to Parliament, will go ahead.
Not the First Time Suman Has Raised the Issue
This is not the first occasion on which Shekhar Suman has spoken about Wangchuk’s protest. In earlier episodes of Shekhar Tonite, he had used political satire to question the official response to the activist’s demands and the alleged irregularities in the education system.
Following Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, clips from those earlier episodes have resurfaced online, attracting fresh attention as public debate over the protest continues.
Film Fraternity Extends Support
Shekhar Suman joins a growing list of actors and filmmakers who have publicly expressed solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk. Celebrities including Hrithik Roshan, Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi Sinha, Abhay Deol, Kiran Rao, Vishal Dadlani, Prakash Raj, Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, and others have appealed for dialogue while expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health.
Many of them have urged the authorities to engage with the activist’s concerns through peaceful discussions instead of allowing the situation to escalate further.
Growing Public Attention on the Protest
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike has increasingly become a national talking point, with support emerging from political leaders, civil society groups, and members of the entertainment industry. The protest has generated widespread discussion on social media, with many expressing concern over the activist’s health and calling for constructive engagement.
The hospitalisation of Wangchuk has further intensified public interest, while supporters continue to monitor his condition closely and reiterate their demand for dialogue.
Calls for Dialogue Continue
As Wangchuk remains under medical supervision while continuing his fast, Shekhar Suman’s remarks have added another prominent voice to the debate surrounding the protest. His statement that the activist is “the one truly alive” has resonated widely, reflecting growing concern over both Wangchuk’s health and the issues he has raised.
With political reactions, celebrity support, and public attention continuing to grow, the focus now remains on whether meaningful dialogue can be initiated to address the concerns surrounding the ongoing hunger strike.
