Internet Divided After Aamir Khan Says Sonam Wangchuk Did Not Inspire Phunsukh Wangdu In 3 Idiots

Aamir Khan’s statement that Sonam Wangchuk did not inspire 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu has sparked a heated debate online, with social media users divided in support of the actor’s explanation and criticism of his reaction.

Internet reactions to Aamir Khan saying Phunsukh Wangdu’s ‘3 Idiots’ is not based on Sonam Wangchuk

Actor Aamir Khan has sparked a massive online debate after distancing himself from Ladakh-based education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk’s iconic 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu, while expressing concern over the activist’s ongoing hunger strike.

When Khan first spoke publicly about the issue, he described the long-held belief that Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Wangchuk as a “misconception”. He said that Wangchuk himself repeatedly clarified that the character was not based on him.

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Aamir Khan stated that Phunsukh Wangdu was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, describing the belief as a “misconception”, noting that Wangchuk himself had clarified this several times.

The controversy stems from the long-standing belief that Phunsukh Wangdu was modeled after Sonam Wangchuk, which caused a split in public opinion over Khan’s remarks and his perceived lack of support for Wangchuk’s hunger strike.

Reactions were mixed; some users criticized Khan for not addressing Wangchuk’s hunger strike directly, while others defended him by pointing out that Wangchuk had previously denied any connection to the film’s character.

Many believe that Khan should have specifically addressed Wangchuk’s hunger strike, arguing that his response seemed evasive, especially given the significance of the protest and the activist’s deteriorating health.

Sonam Wangchuk acknowledged that while aspects of his work may have inspired parts of 3 Idiots, she disagrees that the character of Phunsukh Wangdu is based on his life.

Read also | Phunsukh Wangdu from ‘3 Idiots’ was not based on Sonam Wangchuk: Aamir Khan

However, Khan acknowledged concern over the activist’s condition as Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 20th day.

The actor’s remarks quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, with users expressing sharply differing opinions on both the clarification and his response to Wangchuk’s protest.

Some criticized Khan, saying he avoided directly commenting on the activist’s hunger strike. One user wrote: “It doesn’t matter if Rancho’s character was based on Wangchuk. When he was specifically asked to comment on his hunger strike, what a cowardly response you gave. Satyamev showed Jayate a trick, how do you sound now? (sic)”

Another post read: “One thing about Amir Khan is that he won’t praise people properly. Like Blake Lively’d Taare Zameen Par director Amole Gupte by ostracizing him (sic).”

Others questioned the similarities between the film and Wangchuk’s life, with one user writing: “Why was sonam wangchuk’s school in the film then?? Deja vu? Why were parts of his life like inventions and alternative learning methods used to portray this bastard’s character in the film? And why ladakh for making the film?? (sic)”

Another social media user asked, “If the movie 3 Idiots was not based on Sonam Wangchuk then why did sonam take so long to claim? (sic)”

Some reactions were directed at the actor personally. One post read: “This man is a shell of who he was. No losing integrity (sic).” Another commented: “Earlier Aamir was scared to live in this country; now he’s scared to even speak. 😂 (sic)”

However, several users defended Khan’s statement, pointing out that Wangchuk himself had previously denied claims that the character was based on him. One user wrote: “Even wangchuk himself denied so now what? (sic).”

Another described the clarification as “a much needed answer. Indians tend to make everyone their gods and idols out of thin air 😂 (sic)”

Another user suggested that while the character may not have been directly modeled after Wangchuk, aspects of his work may still have influenced the writer, writing: “lol. Maybe not, but maybe his writers knew about him. A patent scientist from Ladakh with a weird name. like Wangchuk / Wangdu aren’t very common names either. I think they’re hiding a fictitious person because the story isn’t fictitious either. fictitious story (sic).”

The renewed debate has revived the long-running debate surrounding 3 Idiots, with Khan’s comments once again bringing the film’s origins and Sonam Wangchuk’s connection to its central character under public scrutiny.