Aamir Khan ‘Worried’ About Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Goes Fast; Says ‘3 Idiots’ connection is a ‘misconception’: ‘We don’t have to be based on character to respect him’ |

Bollywood star Aamir Khan The worker responded Sonam Wangchukexpressed concern for his ongoing hunger strike and his health and well-being.The actor, who attended the London India Film Festival at the British Film Institute in London, sat down for a candid conversation, where he talked about his films and journey in the Bollywood industry. During a Q&A with the audience, the actor was asked about the lingering belief that his iconic ‘3 Idiots’ character, Phunsukh Wangdu, is based on the Ladakh-based inventor Wangchuk.

Aamir Khan denies that ‘Three Idiots’ is based on Sonam Wangchuk

A video of Aamir’s conversation was shared on X by journalist Navneetha Sarkar, who wrote, “Today at @BFI I asked Mr. Aamir Khan about @Wangchuk66 and his fast. Here’s his response.”In the clip, Aamir was asked about the widely held idea that his character in the film was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. Responding to this claim, the actor said, “No! Actually it’s not true. It’s a misconception.”He went on to explain, “I didn’t know about Mr. Sonam when we were filming ‘Three Idiots’. I know I saw a video of Chatur, recently, where he said ‘No, he’s wrong’. Maybe that’s what Chatur was thinking, but I want to tell you that the director didn’t. Rajkumar HiraniNeither the author Abhijat Joshi, nor I… we didn’t know about Mr. Sonam. Anyway, what Sonam sahib is doing is good work in any case. He doesn’t have to be based on ‘Three Idiots’ characters to respect him.”

Aamir Khan expressed concern about Sonam Wangchuk’s health

When asked if it was clarified earlier, Aamir reiterated, “Just from a practical point of view… Actually, Sonam sir said that. He also said that the character is not based on him.”The actor was also asked about Wangchuk’s hunger strike, which has now entered its 19th day. Expressing concern, Aamir said, “Well, I think we are all worried about his health and his life. We hope it ends well and we all hope he ends his fast.”

Did Sonam Wangchuk inspire Phunsukh Wangdu?

For years, many believed that Khan’s character Phunsukh Wangdu in Rajkumar Hirani’s 2009 blockbuster ‘3 Idiots’ was modeled after Sonam Wangchuk, whose work in education and sustainable innovation has received global recognition.The controversy resurfaced recently after actor Omi Vaidya, who played the memorable character Chatur Ramalingam in the film, voiced his support for Wangchuk and referred to the popular belief that the character in the film was based on activism.

Sonam Wangchuk has denied the Phunsukh Wangdu connection

However, Wangchuk also clarified that the character is not a big screen adaptation of his life. Talking about the frequent comparisons during his appearance in ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, Wangchuk said, “If you say inspired, I won’t deny it. Many people say that the film is based on me, but I don’t agree with that. The correct word is that it can be influenced. At the same time, I don’t want to associate anything with a film from this country because it doesn’t want people to accept it. So even though the film is influenced by me, I am not too proud. And if it’s not inspired by me, I’m not sorry.”

‘3 Idiots: Part 2’ is in the works

Meanwhile, according to recent reports, Aamir Khan and director Rajkumar Hirani are currently working on the sequel, with principal photography to begin in late 2026.