Did Aamir Khan Lie About Not Knowing Sonam Wangchuk During ‘3 Idiots’ Shoot? Actor Faces Backlash After Resurfaced Video Tells Different Story
Bollywood star Aamir Khan faces severe backlash after denying that Sonam Wangchuk inspired his '3 Idiots' character, Phunsukh Wangdu, during a London event. An old video of their 2008 meeting resurfaces, fueling controversy. Meanwhile, 60-year-old Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike over NEET irregularities enters its 20th critical day in Delhi.
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is currently embroiled in a significant controversy after publicly denying that the acclaimed Ladakhi educationist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk was the inspiration behind his iconic character Phunsukh Wangdu in the 2009 hit film, 3 Idiots. Khan's recent remarks have triggered a wave of criticism, especially as an old video of Wangchuk discussing a prior meeting with the actor has resurfaced, intensifying public scrutiny amidst Wangchuk's ongoing indefinite hunger strike over alleged examination irregularities. Aamir Khan Supports Sonam Wangchuk but Denies ‘3 Idiots’ Link; Actor’s Ex-Wife Kiran Rao Also Backs Activist and CJP (Watch Video).
Aamir Khan Denies Sonam Wangchuk as Inspiration for 3 Idiots
Aamir Khan addressed the long-standing speculation at the London Indian Film Festival on Thursday, July 16, 2026, during a post-screening conversation for his film Lagaan. When questioned about the connection, Khan explicitly stated, "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.".
Aamir Khan on Sonam Wangchuk
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
He further clarified that neither the film's director, Rajkumar Hirani, nor writer, Abhijat Joshi, were aware of Wangchuk during the movie's production. Khan also referenced a recent video by Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, in which Vaidya supported the Wangchuk inspiration theory. Aamir dismissed this, stating, "He is wrong."
2008 Video of Sonam Wangchuk Resurfaces
Contrary to Aamir Khan's recent denial, an old video featuring Sonam Wangchuk has gone viral, showcasing the 60-year-old activist confirming a meeting with Khan in 2008. The video stems from Wangchuk's appearance at a 2008 CNN-IBN event in Mumbai, where he received the Real Heroes Award for his educational efforts in Ladakh. In the clip, Wangchuk distinctly recalls discussing a potential film project with Aamir Khan, centred on the India-Pakistan conflict in the border regions of Ladakh and Baltistan, specifically referencing the Siachen dispute.
Wangchuk recounted his pitch to the actor: "I told him, 'Can you make a film on the tension in Siachen, where countries are fighting over a piece of ice while spending nearly INR 7 crore every day? Can we show that ordinary people from both countries solve the problem and that money is instead used for education?'"
Despite this recorded interaction, Wangchuk has consistently distanced himself from the 3 Idiots character, stating in the past, "I am not Phunsukh Wangdu. I am Sonam Wangchuk. I don't work in films, I work in real life.". He has also previously mentioned that he was never consulted during the film's making.
Sonam Wangchuk's Resurfaced Video Goes Viral
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Backlash Against Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan's timing and statement have drawn significant criticism from various quarters. Social media users and political figures alike have questioned the actor's recollection and the implication of his denial, especially given Wangchuk's current vulnerable state. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha, for instance, openly criticised Khan, suggesting it took him years to clarify the inspiration behind the 3 Idiots character and implying a lack of courage. The debate has intensified, with many perceiving Khan's remarks as insensitive amidst Wangchuk's critical health condition.
This denial also drew sharp reactions from prominent entertainment journalists. Former NDTV critic Rohit Khilnani and Filmfare editor in chief Jitesh Pillaai voiced their disagreement, arguing that failing to acknowledge Wangchuk’s obvious influence on the role was disingenuous.
Taking to his Instagram handle, Pillai wrote, "Now that Aamir Khan, after 15 years of the movie, has said Rancho in 3 Idiots has nothing to do with Sonam Wangchuk, rest assured that director Raju Hirani is yet another entertainer wurth zero political subtext." He also called 3 Idiots an "overrated" film and urged fans to choose icons wisely.
Aamir Khan's Statement on Sonam Wangchuk Sparks Criticism on Social Media
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Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Update
As of today, July 17, 2026, Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi has entered its 20th day. The 60-year-old activist, born September 1, 1966, began his fast on June 28, advocating for justice against alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) and other public examinations, and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Wangchuk's health has significantly deteriorated. Doctors attending to him have warned that his prolonged fast has reached a critical stage, with concerns of potential organ damage. He has reportedly lost approximately 9-9.5 kg since the strike began, now weighing around 56.55 kg. Despite his weakening physical condition, Wangchuk remains resolute, affirming his commitment to the cause. Aamir Khan 'Fears ED Action': Sanjay Singh Links Actor's 3 Idiots-Sonam Wangchuk U-Turn to Ongoing Hunger Strike.
He stated, "I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost." Wangchuk is urging supporters to ensure the success of a planned march to the Indian Parliament on Monday, July 20, playfully adding, "If you don't come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost." The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk's health daily and provide necessary medical assistance.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 05:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
