Aamir Khan Clarifies 3 Idiots Was Not Based on Sonam Wangchuk, Calls Viral Claim ‘Incorrect’
New Delhi: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has put an end to the long-standing belief that his iconic character Phunsukh Wangdu, popularly known as Rancho in the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots, was inspired by Ladakhi engineer and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk.
Speaking during a post-screening question-and-answer session at the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), Aamir Khan clarified that neither he nor the film’s writers had any knowledge of Sonam Wangchuk while the script was being developed. According to the actor, the resemblance many people have drawn over the years is purely coincidental.
“There is a misconception that 3 Idiots was based on Sonam Wangchuk’s life. That is not true. When the film was being written, we had no information about Sonam Wangchuk, and I did not know him personally,” Aamir said.
The clarification comes amid renewed public discussion after actor Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, shared a viral video supporting Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike. In the video, Vaidya suggested that Rancho’s character had been inspired by Wangchuk, prompting many social media users to question why Aamir Khan had remained silent on the activist’s protest.
Addressing the issue directly, Aamir said, “What Chatur (Omi Vaidya) said in the video is incorrect,” making it clear that the film’s central character was never based on Wangchuk.
Despite distancing 3 Idiots from the education reformer’s life, Aamir strongly praised Sonam Wangchuk’s contributions to education and social reform. He said Wangchuk’s work speaks for itself and does not need any association with a popular film to earn respect or recognition.
“The work Sonam Wangchuk is doing is absolutely right. It doesn’t have to be based on a character from 3 Idiots for us to respect him,” Aamir added.
The actor also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health as the activist continues his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The protest, which has now entered its third week, was launched in the aftermath of the NEET examination paper leak controversy. Through his fast, Wangchuk is demanding sweeping reforms in India’s education system and greater accountability to protect the interests of students.
According to reports from the protest site, the prolonged fast has taken a serious toll on Wangchuk’s health. The 59-year-old has reportedly lost between 8 and 9 kilograms, while doctors have raised concerns over his declining blood pressure and blood sugar levels. His deteriorating condition has sparked appeals from political leaders, public figures and supporters across the country, urging him to end the fast.
Joining those appeals, Aamir Khan urged Wangchuk to prioritise his health and reconsider continuing the indefinite hunger strike. While correcting what he described as a factual misconception about 3 Idiots, the actor reiterated his admiration for Wangchuk’s efforts to improve India’s education system and voiced hope that his life would be protected.
Aamir’s remarks have now settled years of speculation surrounding the inspiration behind Rancho’s character, while simultaneously reaffirming his support for Sonam Wangchuk’s mission to bring meaningful educational reforms to the country.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
