Aamir Khan Supports Sonam Wangchuk but Denies ‘3 Idiots’ Link; Actor’s Ex-Wife Kiran Rao Also Backs Activist and CJP (Watch Video)
Bollywood star Aamir Khan clarifies his '3 Idiots' character was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, expressing concern for the activist's health. His ex-wife Kiran Rao publicly supports Wangchuk's 20-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar against NEET irregularities, urging government dialogue alongside the Cockroach Janta Party.
Bollywood veteran Aamir Khan recently addressed a long-standing public misconception, stating unequivocally that his character Phunsukh Wangdu in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots was not inspired by renowned Ladakhi innovator and activist Sonam Wangchuk. Khan's clarification, made during a special appearance at the London Indian Film Festival on Thursday, July 16, 2026, coincided with growing concerns over Wangchuk's deteriorating health as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday, July 17, 2026. Sonam Wangchuk To March to Parliament As Hunger Strike Enters Day 20, Says ‘I’ll Come Back as a Ghost’ if It Fails (Video).
Aamir Khan Clarifies '3 Idiots' Inspiration, Expresses Concern for Sonam Wangchuk
Aamir Khan, 61, was attending a special screening of his classic film Lagaan to commemorate its 25th anniversary as the closing-night highlight of the London Indian Film Festival.
During a post-screening conversation and audience Q&A session, the actor was directly asked about the widespread belief that his 3 Idiots character, Phunsukh Wangdu, drew inspiration from Sonam Wangchuk. Khan firmly debunked the notion, stating, “No, that is not true actually. That is a misconception. I didn't know about Mr Sonam at that time when we were doing the film, 3 Idiots.” He further clarified that neither he nor the film's writers, Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi, were aware of Wangchuk during the film's creation.
Despite this denial, Khan emphasised his deep concern for Wangchuk's well-being amidst his ongoing fast. “All of us are very concerned for his health and his life. We hope it ends well,” Khan said.
Aamir Khan Reacts to Sonam Wangchuks Hunger Strike
Today at @BFI I asked Mr Amir Khan about @Wangchuk66 and his fast. Here is his response: @abhijeet_dipke @CJP_2029 @Cockroachisback @SauravDassss pic.twitter.com/jkeKFssrDX
— nabanita sircar (@sircarnabanita) July 16, 2026
3 Idiots, released on December 25, 2009, was directed by Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Loosely based on Chetan Bhagat's novel Five Point Someone, the film starred Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor (29), and Boman Irani (50). While the film did incorporate real-life Indian innovations, some of which were attributed to Sonam Wangchuk, the direct inspiration for the character has now been officially denied by Khan.
Kiran Rao Extends Strong Support to Sonam Wangchuk Amid Hunger Strike
Meanwhile, Aamir Khan's ex-wife, filmmaker Kiran Rao, has publicly expressed her solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk as his hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar entered its 20th day on Friday, July 17, 2026. Rao, 53, took to her Instagram handle on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to share a picture of Wangchuk with the message “I Support Sonam,” also updating her display picture to reflect her support.
In a heartfelt statement, Rao articulated her distress over the apparent lack of official response to the activist's protest. She wrote, “I stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP, and all the citizens of this country, young and old, who are protesting for the rights of our students. My salaams to Sonam ji, Neha, Maneesh, Ameen and all the others for undertaking a hunger strike to make sure that justice is served. Our nation is indebted to you for shaking us out of our apathy and reminding us that every voice counts.”
Rao further added, “It is so distressing to witness the complete silence that this hunger strike has been met with, even after 19 days. What will it take for those in power to listen to the people?… it is shocking and inhumane. I urge the government to enter into a dialogue with the protestors, to understand the pain of the students, and end this impasse. We the people have a right to be heard.”
Kiran Rao Shares Instagram Post in Support of Sonam Wangchuk
View this post on Instagram
Sonam Wangchuk, 60, began his indefinite fast on June 28, 2026, to protest alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination, demanding accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Doctors have warned that Wangchuk's health has entered a critical stage, having lost over nine kilograms, prompting the Delhi High Court to order daily medical monitoring. Wangchuk has vowed to continue his fast until July 20, urging supporters to join a peaceful march to Parliament on that day. Sonakshi Sinha Questions Government Silence Amid Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike; Rakhi Sawant Vows To Break Fast With Activist (Watch Videos).
His protest is aligned with the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been a vocal force in demanding examination reforms.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 01:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
