Cinema VinesIn a recent podcast with Prakhar Gupta, Indian inventor Sonam Wangchuk addressed a claim made by Bollywood star Aamir Khan that he had never met the innovator before filming 3 Idiots and that the film’s character Phunsuk Wangdu was not inspired by Wangchuk. Wangchuk refuted the assertion, recalling a detailed meeting with the actor and suggesting that Aamir may have simply forgotten the encounter.
Wangchuk explained that videos later surfaced showing Aamir watching his speech while dressed in a Ghajini costume, implying that the actor’s intense immersion in that role could have caused short‑term memory loss. He added that the two had discussed many ideas during their meeting and that elements of Wangchuk’s life may have subtly influenced the character, even if the script did not directly portray him.
He also took a jab at Aamir’s reputation for deep character preparation, noting that the actor might have been so absorbed in Ghajini that he “forgot” attending an award function where Wangchuk was present. Wangchuk emphasized that the influence could be indirect, with the writer and director unaware of the details Aamir incorporated after their conversation.
The debate was reignited after Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in 3 Idiots, claimed the character was inspired by Wangchuk. At the time, Wangchuk was on a hunger strike protesting the leak of NEET exam papers, adding context to the controversy.
Wangchuk’s comments have once again drawn attention to the origins of 3 Idiots’ characters, with the inventor maintaining that a meeting with Aamir did occur and that their discussion may have shaped aspects of the film’s protagonist.
