Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has definitively stated that his iconic character from the 2009 film "3 Idiots" was not inspired by Ladakhi engineer and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, calling the long-standing public belief a misconception. Khan made the clarification during a question-and-answer session at the London Indian Film Festival on July 16, expressing simultaneous concern for Wangchuk's health amid the activist's ongoing hunger strike in New Delhi.

Speaking at an event following a screening of his film "Lagaan," Khan directly addressed the frequent comparisons between his character, Phunsukh Wangdu (often called Rancho), and the real-life innovator. "No, that is not true actually. That is a misconception," Khan said. He explained that neither he, director Rajkumar Hirani, nor writer Abhijat Joshi knew about Sonam Wangchuk during the production of the film. The actor referenced a recent video by his co-star Omi Vaidya, who played the character Chatur and had suggested the inspirational link, stating simply, "He is wrong."

Khan was careful to separate the factual clarification from his respect for Wangchuk's work. He emphasized that the activist's contributions stand on...