‘I Am an Actor, Not a Politician’: Vivek Oberoi Reacts to Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike
Vivek Oberoi, actor and entrepreneur, has weighed in on Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike by saying he prefers not to comment on politics, as he is an actor and not a politician. Wangchuk’s protests have attracted national debate, and his hunger strike is causing nationwide discussion, as the protest is still ongoing.
Vivek was recently asked by the media about Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike. Responding cautiously, the actor said, “Yaar main abhineta hu, neta nahi hu. Toh main political cheezon pe dhyaan nahi deta hun. Hum toh observe karte hai, seekhte hai. Life mein bohot kuch dekhne aur seekhne ko mil raha hai.” (I am an actor, not a politician. I don’t pay much attention to political matters. I observe and learn; there’s always something to learn in life.)
Although Vivek did not take a stance on Wangchuk’s issues, he emphasized democracy and freedom of expression. He said that in a democratic country, people should have a voice and an opportunity to say what they think and be heard, and that diverse opinions are an indication of a healthy democracy.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on hunger strike since June 28, as part of a protest centered on demands for education reforms following the NEET-UG question paper leak controversy. The protests have attracted widespread attention from the mainstream media, and Wangchuk’s health has been a subject of concern as the fast enters its third week.
Public figures have reacted differently to the protest. Vivek Oberoi chose to stay politically neutral, while actor Aamir Khan expressed concern for Wangchuk's health and urged him to stop his fast. Aamir also admitted that his 3 Idiots character Rancho was not based on Wangchuk, but that he recognized the educator's role in society and was optimistic about his well-being.
The measured response of Vivek Oberoi has generated mixed responses on social media. Many people on social media liked his decision to not engage in politics, while others felt public figures should speak out more openly on important national issues. His comments have again reopened the debate of whether celebrities should take public positions on social and political issues.
As Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues, the public is still interested in the protest and the responses it has drawn from politicians, activists, and the entertainment industry. The public's opinions of celebrities’ role in public discourse continue to change, and whether they speak out or not, they have to contend with their influence.
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