Is 3 Idiots Really Based On Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk? Aamir Khan Clears The Air

Aamir Khan has dismissed the long-standing belief that 3 Idiots was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, calling any resemblance purely coincidental. The actor also expressed concern over Wangchuk's health amid his ongoing hunger strike and hoped he would end his fast soon.

By: Bhumi Vashisht
Last Updated: July 17, 2026 10:34:22 IST

Aamir Khan recently talked about one of the biggest myths around his 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots during an interaction at the London Indian Film Festival. For years, lots of people thought that the character of Phunsukh Wangdu, which many call Rancho, was somehow inspired by the Ladakhi engineer and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. But, according to the actor, that whole idea just isn’t true.

Aamir said that neither he nor the filmmakers had any clue about Sonam Wangchuk, or anything he was doing, when the movie was being written and made. And when a co-star brought it up again with a fresh comment that backed the old belief, Aamir just laughed, like, and said the claim was wrong. He also said he wanted to clear the misunderstanding and basically set the record straight about what actually inspired the film in the first place.

Why Aamir Khan Says The Resemblance Between ‘3 Idiots’ And Sonam Wangchuk Is Only Coincidental

Aamir Khan clarified that any similarities between the iconic film character and Sonam Wangchuk are purely coincidental. He said writers Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi developed the story on their own and did not base it on anyone from Ladakh.



The actor also stressed that a real-life changemaker like Sonam Wangchuk does not need a fictional character to prove his impact or achievements. Interestingly, Wangchuk himself has said the same in the past, maintaining that his work in education and social reform is separate from Bollywood’s storytelling.

‘3 Idiots,’ Sonam Wangchuk, And Aamir Khan: What The Actor Said About The Long-Standing Comparison

Aamir Khan has again spoken about how his fictional character gets compared to the real-life social reformer, even as the activist is still in an intense protest in the national capital. The actor said that people keep pairing them up, but the comparison really isn’t accurate. He mentioned that the activist’s work should be taken seriously in its own right, and it genuinely deserves recognition. Aamir also underlined that any talk about the film should not steal attention away from the key social and educational matters that are being brought forward.

Actor Expresses Concern For Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Amid His Ongoing Hunger Strike

Aamir Khan also expressed concern about the activist’s health, saying he was worried about how the prolonged protest is landing on him. The Ladakhi innovator has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for over two weeks; he is demanding reforms and greater accountability in the country’s examination system. 

Aamir Khan Hopes Sonam Wangchuk Ends His Fast Soon And Stays Healthy

Aamir Khan wrapped things up by saying, with some hope, that the situation will get resolved soon. He also said he wants the activist to call off the hunger strike as quickly as possible and went on to mention that people across the country are concerned about his health plus general well-being. As per the actor, the activist’s safety and the future of his life should be the main priority for everyone, not something that can wait.

Also Read: Who All Are Supporting Sonam Wangchuk? Bollywood Celebrities Rally Behind Ladakh Activist Amid Hunger Strike

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