London: Actor Aamir Khan has clarified that his iconic character Rancho, also known as Funsukh Wangdu, from Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster film 3 Idiots was not based on educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk. The actor made the remarks during a post-screening interaction at the closing ceremony of the London Film Festival, while also expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health amid his ongoing hunger strike.
The clarification comes as Wangchuk continues his indefinite fast at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Aamir dismisses long-standing belief
During an audience interaction after a screening of Lagaan, Aamir was asked about the perceived similarities between Rancho and Sonam Wangchuk.
Responding to the question, the actor said it was a misconception that the character had been modelled on Wangchuk.
Aamir explained that neither director Rajkumar Hirani nor writer Abhijat Joshi, nor he himself, knew Wangchuk while making the film.
He also referred to a recent social media video by actor Omi Vaidya, who portrayed Chatur in 3 Idiots, saying the claim made in the video was factually incorrect.
Aamir added that Wangchuk’s work deserved appreciation on its own merit and did not require any association with the film.
Expresses concern over Wangchuk’s health
While clarifying the origin of the character, Aamir expressed concern about Wangchuk’s health as his hunger strike continues.
He said everyone was worried about the activist’s wellbeing and hoped that the situation would end positively.
The actor added that he hoped Wangchuk would be able to conclude his fast safely.
Omi Vaidya’s video rekindled debate
The discussion gained fresh attention after Omi Vaidya recently shared a video on social media stating that Funsukh Wangdu was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk.
In the video, Vaidya described Wangchuk as a Ladakh-based engineer, innovator and educator, while also mentioning his ongoing hunger strike.
The video reignited public discussion about whether the character in 3 Idiots had drawn inspiration from Wangchuk’s life.
Wangchuk’s earlier account
Aamir’s remarks differ from an account shared by Sonam Wangchuk during a public talk in 2018.
According to Wangchuk, he met Aamir Khan in 2008 during the CNN-IBN Real Heroes Awards in Mumbai, where they discussed the possibility of making a film on Siachen. He also said a documentary showcasing his educational work was screened during the event.
Wangchuk further stated that he later learnt members of the 3 Idiots production team had visited his school but were reportedly denied permission to film there because of concerns over the proposed use of plastic materials. The filmmakers subsequently shot portions of the film at another nearby school.
He had said he later wrote to the filmmakers regarding the matter but did not receive a response.
Political reactions
Aamir Khan’s clarification drew criticism from several opposition leaders.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha questioned why the actor had taken so many years to clarify the issue, suggesting the timing was significant.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also criticised the actor, alleging that public figures were reluctant to speak freely.
Congress leader Husain Dalwai said Aamir should have expressed greater sympathy towards Wangchuk and encouraged him to speak more openly.
Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues
Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
He is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system.
Despite concerns over his deteriorating health, Wangchuk has maintained that ending the fast without any response from the government would send the wrong message. He has instead urged supporters to participate in the proposed Parliament march scheduled for July 20.
Conclusion
Aamir Khan’s clarification has reopened the long-standing debate over the inspiration behind Rancho’s character in 3 Idiots. While the actor firmly denied any connection between the fictional character and Sonam Wangchuk, the comments have generated fresh public and political discussion, particularly against the backdrop of Wangchuk’s ongoing protest.
