Sonam Wangchuk on Salman Khan's viral 'it's done bro' remark
Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk has finally addressed Salman Khan's viral social-media plea — "Sonam, it's done, bro" — saying everyone faces "majbooriyan" (compulsions) and he will not speculate on why the Bollywood star shifted tone during NEET-UG protests. Khan's line became meme fodder; Wangchuk called it a "healthy sentiment" on a podcast.
The exchange has pulled two very different public figures into the same headline: a Ladakh-based activist on a 26-day hunger strike, and one of India's biggest movie stars weighing in on social media. What began as celebrity support for student anger over an alleged NEET-UG paper leak quickly turned into a viral catchphrase — and now, a measured response.
Key Takeaways
- Salman Khan told Wangchuk "it's done, bro" while urging him to end a hunger strike tied to NEET-UG leak protests.
- Wangchuk declined to judge Khan's change of stance, saying "majbooriyan hoti hogi sabki" — everyone has compulsions.
- The actor's line spawned memes and T-shirts; Wangchuk accepted one on Prakhar Gupta's podcast as a "healthy sentiment."
- Wangchuk continued his fast until the Union Government agreed to his demands in writing.
What Did Salman Khan Write to Sonam Wangchuk?
The back-and-forth unfolded amid nationwide student protests over alleged leaks in the NEET-UG exam. On July 22, Khan posted on X praising students for raising concerns about the education system and urging them to keep fighting peacefully. He wrote that education should become "the next trend and fashion" and that India could become a global educational hub.
The tone shifted the very next day. Referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet on the matter, Khan asked protesters to return to their parents and homes. He expressed confidence that action would be taken against those responsible for the alleged paper leak.
Addressing Wangchuk directly, he wrote: "Sonam, it's done, bro. Don't extend this. Keep the spirit for another day if there be a need, which I doubt, and eat something. If u want, will send u food from home." The casual sign-off spread fast online, spawning memes and merchandise — including T-shirts bearing Khan's image and the now-famous line. NDTV reported that Wangchuk later accepted one such shirt as a gift.
Why Did Sonam Wangchuk Refuse to Criticize Salman Khan?
During an appearance on Prakhar Gupta's podcast, Wangchuk was handed a white T-shirt printed with Khan's picture and the viral phrase. When asked about the superstar's comment, he smiled and chose diplomacy over drama.
"Majbooriyan hoti hogi sabki," he said — everyone would have their share of compulsions. "Toh main usme nahi jana chahunga." He added that one sometimes has to look in all directions: "Aage-peeche, daayein-baayein dekhna padta hai."
Wangchuk said he respected that Khan spoke about the issue at all. "Kuch kaha iska main izzat karta hu," he told Gupta, but he would not comment on whatever pressures might have shaped the actor's reversal. The activist also said he wanted to take the moment as a "healthy sentiment" rather than fuel further controversy.
What Happened During the NEET Protests?
Wangchuk undertook a 26-day hunger strike in solidarity with student-led demonstrations over alleged exam-paper leaks, according to The Times of India. Despite Khan's appeal, he did not break his fast immediately. He ended the protest only after the Union Government agreed to meet his demands in writing.
The episode sits at an odd intersection of Bollywood celebrity culture and grassroots activism — the kind of collision that often dominates Indian social media. For more stories where fame, politics, and the internet collide in unexpected ways, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man coverage.