Amid CJP hunger strike, Aamir Khan denies '3 idiots' character Rancho was based on Sonam Wangchuk, video viral
During a Q&A following a screening at the London Indian Film Festival, Khan explained that the idea of 3 Idiots being modelled on Wangchuk"s life is a misconception.
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In the midst of the so-called hunger strike by Sonam Wangchuk against the alleged NEET protests, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has put to rest a persistent rumour surrounding his beloved on-screen character Phunsukh Wangdu, aka Rancho, from the 2009 hit 3 Idiots, dismissing claims that the character was inspired by Ladakhi innovator and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk.
Wangchuk has been staging his hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for more than two weeks now, launched in response to the fallout from the major alleged NEET exam paper leak scandal. Along with Wangchuk, several anti-Hindu leaders and organizations have additionally extended support to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest. These include SFI, AISF, AAP, anti-Hindu notorious personalities like 'comedian' Kunal Kamra, Prof Narain, actor-turned-politician Prakash Raj, etc.
The protest that was initially intended to oppose the alleged NEET scam has now been exposed after its true colors have been revealed. Several LGBTQ+ protest actors joined the event, raising slogans of 'Mera Ling, Meri marzi'. Slogans of 'Naam Rahega Allah ka', 'Allah is supreme' were also raised, raising several questions over the so-called protest.
Speaking at a public appearance, Khan made clear that neither he nor the film's writing team had any awareness of Wangchuk's existence at the time the movie was being developed. Even as he corrected this piece of cinematic lore, the actor took the opportunity to voice his solidarity with Wangchuk, who is currently several days into an indefinite hunger strike, and expressed worry over the toll it's taking on his health.
During a Q&A following a screening at the London Indian Film Festival, Khan explained that the idea of 3 Idiots being modelled on Wangchuk's life is a misconception. At the time the script was written, he had no personal knowledge of Wangchuk, and the two weren't acquainted. He added that, regardless of this, he fully supports the cause Wangchuk is fighting for and echoed the growing concern that Wangchuk should call off his fast given his worsening health.
Khan also responded to a viral clip shared by his 3 Idiots co-star Omi Vaidya, who played the character Chatur Ramalingam, in which Vaidya had voiced support for Wangchuk's protest while reinforcing the claim that Rancho was based on him. That video had triggered heavy pressure on social media for Khan to weigh in publicly. Addressing it directly, Khan stated plainly that what Vaidya said in the video wasn't accurate.
#BREAKING: Aamir Khan in a viral video says he didn’t know Sonam Wangchuk when 2009 film 3 Idiots was being made, clarifies that the film which put Ladakh on the domestic tourist map was not made on the life of Sonam Wangchuk. Film had done brisk business. pic.twitter.com/ALKF3F38Y8
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 17, 2026
He went on to emphasise that Wangchuk's contributions speak for themselves and don't need any connection to a fictional film character to earn the respect he deserves.
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Wangchuk has been staging his hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for more than two weeks now, launched in response to the fallout from the major alleged NEET exam paper leak scandal. Along with Wangchuk, several anti-Hindu leaders and organizations have additionally extended support to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest. These include SFI, AISF, AAP, anti-Hindu notorious personalities like 'comedian' Kunal Kamra, Prof Narain, actor-turned-politician Prakash Raj, etc.
The protest that was initially intended to oppose the alleged NEET scam has now been exposed after its true colors have been revealed. Several LGBTQ+ protest actors joined the event, raising slogans of 'Mera Ling, Meri marzi'. Slogans of 'Naam Rahega Allah ka', 'Allah is supreme' were also raised, raising several questions over the so-called protest.