Aamir Khan has addressed a long-running belief surrounding his 2009 film 3 Idiots, stating that the character of Phunsukh Wangdu, popularly known as Rancho, was not inspired by education reformer Sonam Wangchuk.

Speaking during a public interaction at the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), the actor said the film’s makers were unaware of Wangchuk when the story was written. While clarifying the origin of the character, Khan also voiced support for Wangchuk’s ongoing campaign and expressed concern over his health.

Aamir clears the air on Rancho’s inspiration

Rejecting the widely circulated claim, Khan said, “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. Having said that, the work Sonam Wangchuk is doing is absolutely right. He is on a hunger strike, and many people feel he should end it now because his health is deteriorating.”

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The clarification came during a post-screening question-and-answer session, where the actor also spoke about Wangchuk’s ongoing indefinite fast.

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Responds to Omi Vaidya’s viral video

Khan also referred to a recent social media video by his 3 Idiots co-star Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur Ramalingam in the film. Vaidya had backed Wangchuk’s protest and repeated the claim that Rancho was modelled on the Ladakhi innovator.

Addressing that statement, Khan said, “What Chatur (Omi Vaidya) said in the video is incorrect.”

He added that Wangchuk’s contribution should be recognised for its own impact and “doesn’t have to be based on a character of 3 Idiots for us to respect him”.

Concern over Wangchuk’s health

Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding systemic educational reforms and accountability following the NEET examination paper leak controversy.

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Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk on the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janata Party campaign | File image/ANI

According to updates from the protest site, the fast has affected his health significantly. Reports indicate that the 59-year-old has lost around 8 to 9 kilograms, while falling blood pressure and blood sugar levels have raised concerns among doctors and supporters.

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While clarifying the long-standing misconception around 3 Idiots, Khan ended his remarks by joining others who have appealed to Wangchuk to put his health first and call off the hunger strike.

FAQs:

Did Aamir Khan say Rancho was based on Sonam Wangchuk?

No. Aamir Khan said 3 Idiots was not based on Sonam Wangchuk and called the claim a misconception.

Why did Aamir Khan mention Omi Vaidya?

He responded to Omi Vaidya’s viral video, saying the actor’s claim linking Rancho to Sonam Wangchuk was “incorrect”.