Aamir Khan dismisses claim that ‘3 Idiots’ was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk

Mumbai/IBNS-CMEDIA: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has dismissed the long-held belief that his character in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots was inspired by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Aamir’s clarification comes after his 3 Idiots co-star Omi Vaidya recently claimed that the actor’s character was based on Wangchuk.

Aamir calls it a misconception

Speaking at a public event, Aamir said the belief was factually incorrect and that none of the film’s makers knew about Wangchuk while 3 Idiots was being made.

“That’s not true. It’s a misconception. When we were making 3 Idiots, I didn’t know about Mr. Sonam Wangchuk. I recently came across a video of ‘Chatur’ making that claim, but it’s incorrect.

“Neither I, nor Raju (Rajkumar Hirani, director), nor anyone else associated with the film had any information about Sonam Wangchuk at the time.”

Praises Wangchuk’s work

While rejecting the claim, Aamir lauded Wangchuk’s contributions and said the activist’s work deserved appreciation irrespective of any connection with the film.

“However, the work Mr. Sonam Wangchuk is doing is truly commendable. 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 just wanted to clarify the facts.”

Expresses concern over hunger strike

Aamir also voiced concern over Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike and hoped that the activist would end his fast soon.

“We are all deeply concerned about his health and well-being, and we sincerely hope that he ends his fast soon,” he added, amid social media ire against him for not backing Wangchuk’s protest.

The actor made the remarks during a session at the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF).

‘I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die’: ‘3 Idiots’ star Omi Vaidya’s emotional appeal

Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for playing ‘Chatur’ in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots, has voiced support for Wangchuk, who is camped at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

In a video shared on Instagram, Vaidya appealed to the public to pay attention to Wangchuk’s protest, saying the issue had not received adequate media coverage.