Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Jul 17: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has clarified that his popular character Rancho, also known as Phunsukh Wangdu, in the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots was not inspired by education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk, calling the widely held belief a misconception.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the London Indian Film Festival, where Lagaan was screened to mark its 25th anniversary, Aamir addressed questions from the audience regarding Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Refuting claims that Rancho was modelled on Wangchuk, Aamir said neither he nor the film’s writers were aware of the activist when the film was made.
“No, that is not true. It is a misconception. We did not know Mr Sonam at the time we were making 3 Idiots. Neither director Rajkumar Hirani nor writer Abhijat Joshi knew him then,” Aamir said.
The actor added that although the character was not based on Wangchuk, he greatly respected the activist’s work.
“Mr Sonam is doing commendable work. He does not need to be associated with a character from 3 Idiots for us to appreciate and respect his contribution,” he said.
Aamir also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health during his ongoing hunger strike and hoped that he would end his fast soon.
The clarification comes days after actor Omi Vaidya, who portrayed Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, publicly claimed that the character of Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk.
In a social media video, Omi urged people to pay attention to Wangchuk’s health, describing him as a real-life engineer, innovator and education reformer. He expressed concern over the activist’s prolonged fast and appealed for greater public awareness of the issue.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, demanding action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and seeking accountability from the Union government.