Speaking during a question-and-answer session following a screening at the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), Aamir Khan said it was a misconception that 3 Idiots was based on Sonam Wangchuk's life. He stated that when the screenplay was being developed, neither he nor director Rajkumar Hirani nor writer Abhijat Joshi knew anything about Wangchuk, and he did not know him personally.
Khan, however, praised Wangchuk's ongoing efforts and said the work he is doing deserves recognition on its own merit. Referring to Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike, he said many people believe the protest should now end because his health has been deteriorating.
The actor also addressed a recently viral video posted by his 3 Idiots co-star Omi Vaidya, who portrayed the memorable character Chatur Ramalingam in the film. In the video, Vaidya openly supported Sonam Wangchuk's protest and repeated the claim that Phunsukh Wangdu was based on the Ladakhi engineer. Responding to the statement, Aamir Khan said he had watched the video but wanted to make it clear that neither Rajkumar Hirani, nor writer Abhijat Joshi, nor he himself had any knowledge of Sonam Wangchuk while making the film. He reiterated that regardless of the inspiration behind the fictional character, Wangchuk's work is commendable and deserves appreciation.
Khan further emphasized that there is no need to associate Sonam Wangchuk's achievements with any character from 3 Idiots in order to acknowledge or respect his contributions. According to him, Wangchuk's accomplishments stand firmly on their own.
Sonam Wangchuk is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protest has continued for more than two weeks and began in the aftermath of the widespread controversy surrounding the alleged NEET examination paper leak. Through the hunger strike, Wangchuk is demanding systemic educational reforms and greater accountability to safeguard the future of Indian students.
According to information from the protest site, the prolonged fast has had a severe impact on the 59-year-old reformer's health. Reports indicate that he has lost more than 8 to 9 kilograms of body weight, while falling blood pressure and blood sugar levels have raised serious concerns among doctors and supporters.
While Aamir Khan used the platform to correct what he described as an inaccurate narrative surrounding the origins of Phunsukh Wangdu, he concluded by joining several public figures in urging Sonam Wangchuk to prioritize his health and bring his prolonged hunger strike to an end.
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