Aamir Khan Says 3 Idiots Was Not Based on Sonam Wangchuk

Aamir Khan has clarified that his character Phunsukh Wangdu, also known as Rancho, in the 2009 film 3 Idiots was not based on education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, while expressing concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health during his ongoing indefinite hunger strike. The actor made the remarks during a question-and-answer session at the London Indian Film Festival.

For years, many viewers have believed that Rancho was inspired by Ladakh-based innovator and educator Sonam Wangchuk. Addressing the widely held perception, Khan said it was a misconception and stated that neither he nor the film’s writers—director Rajkumar Hirani and writer Abhijat Joshi—knew Wangchuk when 3 Idiots was being developed.

“I didn’t know about Mr Sonam at that time when we were doing the film,” Khan said, adding that recent comments by his co-star Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur Ramalingam, repeating the claim were factually incorrect.

Khan said Wangchuk’s contributions should be recognised on their own merit rather than being linked to the film.

“He doesn’t have to be based on a character of 3 Idiots for us to respect him and the work that he does,” the actor said, describing his remarks as a clarification of the facts.

Concern over Wangchuk’s health

Khan also addressed Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike, saying he was deeply concerned about the activist’s health.

“All of us are very concerned for his health and his life. We hope it ends well. All of us are hoping that he ends his fast,” he said.

Sonam Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 28. The protest, which began in response to the alleged NEET-UG examination paper leak, has expanded into a broader campaign seeking accountability and reforms in India’s examination system.

The movement has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and proposed a five-point roadmap aimed at overhauling the conduct of competitive examinations.

Omi Vaidya’s video reignited the debate

The clarification comes days after Omi Vaidya shared a video urging public support for Wangchuk. In the video, Vaidya said that Phunsukh Wangdu was based on the real-life educator and appealed for greater attention to Wangchuk’s declining health during the fast.

Khan directly addressed those remarks, saying the claim about the film’s inspiration was incorrect while maintaining his support for Wangchuk’s work.

Growing support for the protest

Wangchuk’s hunger strike has entered its third week, with growing concern over his physical condition. Reports cited during the protest indicate his health has weakened significantly during the fast.

Despite appeals from supporters, Wangchuk has continued the protest and has instead urged people to participate in the planned “Chalo Sansad” march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session, to press for examination reforms.

The campaign has also received support from several public figures, including actors Abhay Deol, Swara Bhasker, Sonakshi Sinha, Atul Kulkarni, Sayaji Shinde, Shreya Dhanwanthary and Prakash Raj, as well as filmmaker Anurag Kashyap.