Cinema VinesActor Vivek Oberoi has chosen to stay silent on the protest led by activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28. When questioned about the ongoing demonstration, Oberoi said he is an actor, not a politician, and prefers to observe rather than comment on political matters. He added that a healthy democracy allows people to express differing opinions.
Wangchuk’s strike, now on its twentieth day, began after he joined the Cockroach Janata Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The group demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and leaks in the NEET examinations. The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a public‑interest litigation that seeks urgent medical intervention for Wangchuk, including hospital admission and necessary treatment.
During a recent event, Oberoi was asked to weigh in on the protest. He declined to take a stance, stating, “Yaar main abhineta hun, neta nahi hun. Toh main political cheezon pe dhyaan nahi deta hun. Hum toh observe karte hai, seekhte hai. Life mein bahut kuch dekhne aur seekhne ko mil raha hai.” In English, he explained that he is an actor, not a politician, and that his focus is on learning from life’s experiences.
When pressed for his thoughts on Wangchuk’s protest, Oberoi reiterated that the ability for people to voice their views is integral to democracy. He said, “What I’ve observed is that this was something new. I believe that in a healthy democracy, every voice has its place. If people have expressed their views, it’s a sign of a healthy democracy.” He made no attempt to support or criticize the protesters’ demands.
Oberoi’s comments highlight his preference to remain apolitical while acknowledging the importance of democratic discourse. As Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues, the legal and public attention surrounding his health remains a focal point for the protest movement.
