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Filmmaker and Aamir Khan’s ex-wife Kiran Rao has publicly expressed support for climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. Actor Vivek Oberoi, on the other hand, chose not to comment on the issue. Their reactions come amid Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike and the growing public attention around his demands on NEET paper leak.
The issue has also brought back discussions around the belief that Aamir Khan’s memorable character Rancho from 3 Idiots was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. However, the actor has denied the claim and clarified that the similarities are purely coincidental. He added that writers Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi developed the story on their own and did not base it on anyone from Ladakh.
Kiran Rao Extends Support To Sonam Wangchuk
At a media interaction, Kiran Rao voiced her support for Sonam Wangchuk and said his concerns deserve attention. She acknowledged his contribution to education and environmental conservation, and further added that his work has inspired many across the country.
Her remarks come at a time when Wangchuk’s protest has gained momentum, and many public figures, activists and citizens are urging the government to engage in dialogue over his demands.
Aamir Khan Says Rancho Was Not Based On Sonam Wangchuk
While Sonam Wangchuk’s name is often associated with 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan has consistently clarified that his character, Rancho, was not directly based on the climate activist.
The confusion came into being from similarities between Sonam Wangchuk’s real-life work in education and the matter that was explored in the Rajkumar Hirani directorial. The 2009 blockbuster was inspired by Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone. However, Sonam Wangchuk later said that the aspects of his life and educational work were reflected in the film without proper attribution.
Vivek Oberoi Dodges Question On Wangchuk
Actor Vivek Oberoi was also asked about Sonam Wangchuk and the ongoing protest during a media interaction. Instead of commenting on the activist’s demands or the hunger strike, Vivek chose to avoid the question and moved on without offering a response. His brief interaction has since gone viral on social media.
Vivek Oberoi Shuts Down Question On Sonam Wangchuk’s Protest.
I am an actor, not a politician. I don’t pay attention to political things, I just watch and observe them. pic.twitter.com/zu0EncrLKa
— VIZHPUNEET (@vizhpuneet) July 17, 2026
Who Is Sonam Wangchuk?
Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer, innovator, education reformer and environmental activist from Ladakh. He is best known for founding the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). It is an alternative education initiative that focuses on experiential learning and sustainable development.
Over the years, Wangchuk has received several honours for his work, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award. He is also recognised for developing sustainable technologies suited to high-altitude Himalayan regions. These include the “Ice Stupa” project, which helps conserve water in arid mountain areas.
