Cinema VinesDuring a question‑and‑answer session at the British Film Institute in London on 16 July, actor Aamir Khan addressed a persistent rumor that his character Phunsukh Wangdu in the 2009 hit 3 Idiots was based on Ladakhi engineer and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. Khan made it clear that the claim was a misconception, saying the film’s writers, Raju and Abhijat, had no knowledge of Wangchuk during production.
“No, that is not true actually. That is a misconception. I didn’t know about Mr Sonam at that time when we were doing the film, 3 Idiots,” Khan told the audience, adding that the idea may have come from the character Chatur. He also noted that neither he nor the writers were aware of Wangchuk’s work when the script was written.
While denying the connection, Khan praised Wangchuk’s contributions, stating, “What Mr Sonam is doing is good work in any case. He doesn’t have to be based on a character of 3 Idiots for us to respect him and the work that he does.” He urged readers to view the matter from a factual perspective.
The discussion also touched on Wangchuk’s ongoing indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where he is demanding statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. Khan expressed concern for the activist’s health, saying, “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.”
Wangchuk’s protest has attracted attention from political leaders and the public, with reports indicating he has lost significant weight during the fast. The actor’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of the activist’s campaign for Ladakh’s political status.
