Aamir Khan Breaks Silence on 3 Idiots' Rancho and Sonam Wangchuk Link, Expresses Concern Over Hunger Strike
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has finally addressed the widespread belief that his iconic character, Phunsukh Wangdu (Rancho), from the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots was based on Ladakhi engineer, innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk . Speaking at a special screening of his landmark film Lagaan at the British Film Institute (BFI) during the London Indian Film Festival, the actor clarified that the popular theory is, in fact, untrue.
While setting the record straight, Khan also expressed deep concern over Wangchuk 's fragile health as the activist continues his indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi.
Clearing Up a Fifteen-Year Misconception
For over a decade and a half, fans of Indian cinema have widely assumed that the brilliant, unconventional inventor Phunsukh Wangdu was a direct representation of Sonam Wangchuk. The rumour gained fresh momentum recently after actor Omi Vaidya, who famously played the character Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, posted an emotional video online supporting Wangchuk's protest and stating that the character was indeed inspired by him.
Addressing an audience question in London, Khan firmly corrected this claim. He explained:
"No, that is not true actually. That is a misconception. We didn't know Mr Sonam Wangchuk when we were making 3 Idiots. I recently saw a video where Chatur [Omi Vaidya] said that, but he is wrong."
While setting the record straight, Khan also expressed deep concern over Wangchuk 's fragile health as the activist continues his indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi.
Clearing Up a Fifteen-Year Misconception
For over a decade and a half, fans of Indian cinema have widely assumed that the brilliant, unconventional inventor Phunsukh Wangdu was a direct representation of Sonam Wangchuk. The rumour gained fresh momentum recently after actor Omi Vaidya, who famously played the character Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, posted an emotional video online supporting Wangchuk's protest and stating that the character was indeed inspired by him.
Addressing an audience question in London, Khan firmly corrected this claim. He explained:
"No, that is not true actually. That is a misconception. We didn't know Mr Sonam Wangchuk when we were making 3 Idiots. I recently saw a video where Chatur [Omi Vaidya] said that, but he is wrong."
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