Actor Aamir Khan has addressed the long-standing argument that his character of 3 Idiots, Rancho or Phunsukh Wangdu, was based on the educational activist Sonam Wangchuk. While dismissing the popular belief, the actor expressed concern about Wangchuk’s health as he continues his indefinite fast in Jantar Mantar, Delhi.
Aamir said this during a special appearance at the closing night of the London Indian Film Festival which was screening Lagaan to commemorate its 25th anniversary. In an interactive session with the crowd, he was asked about the popular belief which claimed that Wangchuk’s life inspired the character of Rancho in Rajkumar Hirani’s 2009 movie.
Calling it a myth, Aamir explained that he and the filmmakers were not aware of Sonam Wangchuk while creating the movie, 3 Idiots.
Aamir Khan said, “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. I saw a video of Chatur just recently, and he said that. But he is wrong. Maybe that is what Chatur was thinking, but I want to tell you that neither Raju nor Abhijat (Rajkumar Hirani or Abhijat Joshi), who are the two writers, we didn’t know about Mr Sonam. However, 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. I wanted to share this from a factual point of view”
On the other hand, Aamir also expressed deep concern over Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing fast. “All of us are very concerned for his health and his life. We hope it ends well. We are all hoping that he ends his fast,” he said.
The statement was made days after actor Omi Vaidya, who portrayed Chatur Ramalingam in the movie 3 Idiots, made a plea for support for Wangchuk in a video posted on social media. Referring to him as the real-life person behind Phunsukh Wangdu, Vaidya made an appeal to notice Wangchuk’s health status and the cause for which he is protesting.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since the 28th of June after joining a protest at Jantar Mantar which initially started with the allegation of leaking of NEET-UG papers but has broadened into a larger movement demanding a change in the examination system in India. The protesters want an accountability in competitive examinations and want Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan to resign and have implemented a five-point reform plan.
