Bollywood actor Aamir Khan on Friday chose to put an end to the long-standing speculation that his beloved character, Phunsukh Wangdu, aka Rancho, in the 2009 blockbuster ‘3 Idiots,’ headlined by him, was inspired by Ladakhi innovator and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk.

Addressing a public event, the 3 Idiots star said that neither he nor the film’s writers were aware of Wangchuk while the film was in the works. He added that the character was not conceived as a portrayal of the activist, dismissing a theory which has persisted among fans for nearly two decades.

He continued by saying that it would be inaccurate to claim that Wangchuk served as the inspiration for Rancho, adding that such assertions were not rooted in the film’s creative process.

Khan lauds Wangchuk's work

Despite rejecting the widely held theory, Khan lauded Wangchuk’s work and voiced concern over his deteriorating health amid his ongoing hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

He said everyone was anxious about Wangchuk’s condition and hoped that he would break the fast soon. Remarking further, he said that Wangchuk does not need to be linked to a fictional film character to earn the admiration of the general public, insisting that his achievements and contributions to society speak for themselves.

Khan also expressed disagreement with his 3 Idiots co-star Omi Vaidya, who essayed the role of Chatur Raamalingam in the movie. Vaidya had recently released a video statement, appealing for public support for Wangchuk during his indefinite fast and referred to him as the real-life Phunsukh Wangdu.

In a post on Instagram, he wrote, “I do not want Phunsukh Wangdu to die.” Responding to this, Khan maintained that Vaidya was mistaken in suggesting that Wangchuk had inspired his character in the movie.

Debate rekindles amid ongoing hunger strike

The clarification comes at a time when Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues to draw nationwide attention and support from public figures, as well as civil society groups.

The activist’s indefinite fast entered its 20th day on Friday at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest site at Jantar Mantar. While addressing supporters, Wangchuk struck a humorous note despite concerns over his health.

He said while urging people to join the planned march to Parliament on July 20 (Monday), “I will stay alive by any means till July 20 so that I can march to the Parliament with all of you. And if our march does not succeed on July 20, then I’ll come back as a ghost!”

His light-hearted remark drew laughter and applause from supporters present at the protest venue. The march is slated to coincide with the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.