Aamir Khan Clarifies '3 Idiots' Was Not Based on Sonam Wangchuk

Actor Aamir Khan has clarified that his iconic character Phunsukh Wangdu (Rancho) in the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots was not modelled on education reformer and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, calling the notion a “misconception.”

The clarification came during a question and answer session at the London Indian Film Festival when Aamir was asked about Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike. 

In response to the question, Aamir admitted that there was a general perception that Rancho's character was based on Wangchuk but denied it. He also expressed his concern about Wangchuk’s health and hoped that his issues would be addressed through dialogue.

Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots is still one of the most celebrated films of Bollywood. Aamir's portrayal of Rancho, a free-spirited engineering student who questions the traditional education system, resonated with the viewers and is often linked to Sonam Wangchuk, an innovator working for education reform in Ladakh. Aamir's latest remarks have reignited discussions about the film's inspiration, while also drawing fresh attention to Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing protest.