Bollywood star Aamir Khan has rejected claims that Rancho, the lead character in the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots, was inspired by education reformer and social activist Sonam Wangchuk. The actor said neither he nor the film’s creators knew Wangchuk while the movie was being developed.

Khan made the remarks during a special screening of Lagaan at the London Indian Film Festival, responding to recent claims by actor Omi Vaidya, who portrayed Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots.

Aamir Khan Rejects the Claim

Aamir Khan said it was a misconception that the character of Rancho (also known as Phunsukh Wangdu in the film) was modeled on Sonam Wangchuk.

“When we were making the film, Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, and I did not even know who Sonam Wangchuk was,” Khan said. He added that while Wangchuk’s work is worthy of respect, there is no need to make inaccurate claims to recognize his contributions.

Comments Come Amid Wangchuk’s Protest

Khan also expressed concern about Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike, saying many people were worried about his health and hoped he would end his protest soon.

According to reports, Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi since June 28, demanding reforms in the education system and raising concerns over alleged irregularities.

The clarification follows a social media post by Omi Vaidya, who suggested that the character of Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk and urged people to support the activist’s campaign.

Aamir Khan’s statement directly refutes that claim, stating that the film’s central character was not based on Wangchuk during the script’s development.

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