Aamir Khan Says His Character Rancho From '3 Idiots' Was Not Based on Sonam Wangchuk
Webdunia | July 17, 2026 4:39 PM CST
Actor Aamir Khan has addressed the long-standing speculation that his iconic character Rancho from Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots was inspired by Ladakh-based educator and innovator Sonam Wangchuk. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the London Film Festival, Aamir clarified that the connection between the fictional character and Wangchuk is a misconception.
During a post-screening discussion of his film Lagaan, Aamir was asked about the similarities between Rancho and Sonam Wangchuk. Responding to the question, the actor said that neither he nor the writers of 3 Idiots—Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi—were aware of Wangchuk while making the film.
Aamir said, “I saw a video of Chatur (Omi Vaidya) just recently, and he said that. But he is wrong. Maybe that is what Chatur was thinking, but I want to tell you that neither Raju nor Abhijat (Rajkumar Hirani or Abhijat Joshi), who are the two writers, we didn’t know about Mr Sonam.”
The actor, however, praised Wangchuk’s work and said his contributions deserve respect regardless of any connection with 3 Idiots.
“What Mr. Sonam is doing is good work in any case. He doesn’t have to be based on a character of 3 idiots for us to respect him and the work that he does. I wanted to share this from a factual point of view,” Aamir added.
Expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health amid his ongoing hunger strike, Aamir said, “All of us are very concerned for his health and his life. We hope it ends well. All of us are hoping that he ends his fast.”
The controversy gained attention after actor Omi Vaidya, who played the memorable character Chatur in 3 Idiots, shared a video claiming that the character Phunsukh Wangdu was based on Sonam Wangchuk. The video went viral on social media, bringing renewed focus to the alleged connection.
In the video, Vaidya said that Wangchuk, a Ladakhi engineer, innovator, educator, and reformer, was the inspiration behind the character.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 28, demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His health condition has reportedly deteriorated, prompting the Delhi High Court to direct the Union and Delhi governments to ensure regular monitoring of his medical condition.
During a post-screening discussion of his film Lagaan, Aamir was asked about the similarities between Rancho and Sonam Wangchuk. Responding to the question, the actor said that neither he nor the writers of 3 Idiots—Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi—were aware of Wangchuk while making the film.
Aamir said, “I saw a video of Chatur (Omi Vaidya) just recently, and he said that. But he is wrong. Maybe that is what Chatur was thinking, but I want to tell you that neither Raju nor Abhijat (Rajkumar Hirani or Abhijat Joshi), who are the two writers, we didn’t know about Mr Sonam.”
The actor, however, praised Wangchuk’s work and said his contributions deserve respect regardless of any connection with 3 Idiots.
“What Mr. Sonam is doing is good work in any case. He doesn’t have to be based on a character of 3 idiots for us to respect him and the work that he does. I wanted to share this from a factual point of view,” Aamir added.
Expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health amid his ongoing hunger strike, Aamir said, “All of us are very concerned for his health and his life. We hope it ends well. All of us are hoping that he ends his fast.”
The controversy gained attention after actor Omi Vaidya, who played the memorable character Chatur in 3 Idiots, shared a video claiming that the character Phunsukh Wangdu was based on Sonam Wangchuk. The video went viral on social media, bringing renewed focus to the alleged connection.
In the video, Vaidya said that Wangchuk, a Ladakhi engineer, innovator, educator, and reformer, was the inspiration behind the character.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 28, demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His health condition has reportedly deteriorated, prompting the Delhi High Court to direct the Union and Delhi governments to ensure regular monitoring of his medical condition.
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