SRINAGAR: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has clarified that his iconic character Rancho from the 2009 film “3 Idiots” was not inspired by Ladakhi engineer and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, while simultaneously expressing strong support for Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Khan made these remarks during a question-and-answer session at the London Indian Film Festival following a screening of “3 Idiots.” He stated that neither the film’s writers nor he were aware of Sonam Wangchuk during the movie’s development phase and that he did not know Wangchuk personally.
Khan’s clarification directly addresses a viral social media video by actor Omi Vaidya, who portrayed Chatur Ramalingam in “3 Idiots.” In the video, Vaidya had suggested that Rancho was based on Wangchuk and urged the public to pay attention to the activist’s deteriorating health as he continued his fast.
“What Chatur (Omi Vaidya) said in the video is incorrect,” Khan stated firmly, adding with a smile, “He is wrong.” He emphasized that Wangchuk’s significant contributions and work are commendable on their own merit and do not necessitate any association with the film’s character for their recognition.
“What Mr Sonam is doing is good work. He doesn’t have to be based on the character of 3 Idiots for us to respect him and the work that he does,” Khan added. He also noted that Wangchuk himself had previously clarified that the film’s protagonist was not based on him.
While clarifying the film’s inspiration, Khan conveyed his deep concern for Sonam Wangchuk’s well-being and joined a growing chorus of public figures calling for the activist to end his hunger strike. “I think all of us are very concerned for his health and life. We hope that he ends his fast and looks after his health,” he said.
Sonam Wangchuk, 59, commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28. His protest is part of wider demonstrations demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examinations, systemic education reforms, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Medical updates released by Wangchuk’s support team indicate that he has lost over nine kilograms since the inception of his fast. Doctors monitoring his condition have reported a decline in his blood pressure and blood sugar levels, although they affirm that his mental alertness remains unaffected.
Wangchuk’s protest has garnered support from various prominent personalities, including actors Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, Sonakshi Sinha, Abhay Deol, and Omi Vaidya. These public figures have appealed for constructive dialogue between the protesters and the authorities, expressing significant concern over Wangchuk’s worsening health condition.
The Chenab Times News Desk