Aamir Khan 'Fears ED Action': Sanjay Singh Links Actor's 3 Idiots-Sonam Wangchuk U-Turn to Ongoing Hunger Strike

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh launched a sharp political attack on Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, alleging that the actor lacks the courage to stand up against the Central government due to the fear of enforcement agency actions. The statement comes shortly after Khan publicly dismissed long-standing theories that his iconic character in the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots was based on the Ladakhi innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Singh claimed that Khan’s statement attempting to distance the film from Wangchuk stems from political caution rather than factual accuracy. The AAP leader asserted that prominent figures in Bollywood are hesitant to align themselves with public dissenters out of fear of drawing scrutiny from central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Aamir Khan Supports Sonam Wangchuk but Denies ‘3 Idiots’ Link; Actor’s Ex-Wife Kiran Rao Also Backs Activist and CJP (Watch Video).

The Controversy Over '3 Idiots'

The political sparring was triggered by comments Aamir Khan made during a public Q&A session at the London Indian Film Festival. When asked about Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike in the national capital, Khan clarified that the character of Phunsukh Wangdu (Rancho) was not inspired by the Ladakhi engineer.

Khan labeled the popular belief a "misconception," stating that neither he nor the film’s writers, Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi, knew about Wangchuk's work when they were developing the project.

"Mr. Sonam is doing good work in any case," Khan stated at the London event. "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."

Khan also directly addressed a recent viral video from his co-star Omi Vaidya—who played the antagonist "Chatur" in the film—affirming that Vaidya was incorrect in linking the character to the activist. Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Day 19: Congress Appeals to Activist To End Fast, Backs Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation.

Aamir Khan 'Fears ED Action'

Context of the Ongoing Protest

The exchange unfolds against the backdrop of Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The prominent reformer has been fasting to demand accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examinations, comprehensive education reforms, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

While Aamir Khan expressed serious concern regarding the activist's deteriorating health and publicly urged him to end his fast, opposition leaders like Sanjay Singh argue that public figures should offer more resolute civic support to Wangchuk's cause.

The Aam Aadmi Party has formally extended its support to the education reformist, announcing nationwide solidarity demonstrations to amplify the issues surrounding the national examination system.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 04:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).