Aamir Khan has once again addressed the long-standing belief that his iconic Phunsukh Wangdu character in 3 Idiots was inspired by education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. The actor clarified that the resemblance is purely coincidental, revealing that neither he nor the filmmakers knew about Wangchuk during the making of the 2009 blockbuster.
At the same time, Aamir also expressed concern for Wangchuk, who is currently on the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike in Delhi over issues related to the NEET-UG examination.
#BREAKING: Aamir Khan in a viral video says he didn’t know Sonam Wangchuk when 2009 film 3 Idiots was being made, clarifies that the film which put Ladakh on the domestic tourist map was not made on the life of Sonam Wangchuk. Film had done brisk business. pic.twitter.com/ALKF3F38Y8
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 17, 2026
Aamir Khan Says Phunsukh Wangdu Was Not Based On Sonam Wangchuk
Speaking about the popular misconception, Aamir Khan stated that Phunsukh Wangdu was never written around Sonam Wangchuk’s life.
According to the actor, the filmmakers had not even heard of the Ladakh-based engineer and innovator while making the film.
This clarification echoes earlier statements made by director Rajkumar Hirani, who has consistently denied any direct connection between the character and Wangchuk.
Rajkumar Hirani Reveals The Real Inspiration Behind Phunsukh Wangdu
Director Rajkumar Hirani explained that the character originated from a completely different real-life incident.
He revealed that the idea came from the story of a man who impersonated a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to attend classes despite not being officially enrolled.
That unusual real-life episode eventually evolved into the character of Phunsukh Wangdu, making it unrelated to Sonam Wangchuk’s journey.
🚨 REPORTER : Your film was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. He is on fast.
AAMIR KHAN 🔥🔥 : No, the character in 3 Idiots had nothing to do with Sonam Wangchuk. We didn’t even know about him when we were shooting the film.
Aamir stuns CJP ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚🔥
pic.twitter.com/QaLS5AIf6p— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) July 16, 2026
Aamir Khan Voices Concern For Sonam Wangchuk
While distancing 3 Idiots from Wangchuk’s life, Aamir expressed deep concern over the activist’s health.
Sonam Wangchuk is currently on the 20th day of an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar while protesting issues related to the NEET-UG examination and student concerns.
According to reports, Wangchuk has already lost around 9.5 kilograms, and doctors have observed low blood pressure, raising concerns about his health as the fast continues.
Aamir said he is worried about Wangchuk’s well-being and hopes the situation is resolved soon.
Why The Comparison Started
The connection between 3 Idiots and Sonam Wangchuk gained traction after the film’s release because both Phunsukh Wangdu and Wangchuk are innovators from Ladakh who promote practical education and unconventional learning.
Although Wangchuk later acknowledged that some broad similarities existed, Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have repeatedly maintained that the film’s central character was developed independently.
