Aamir Khan Says 3 Idiots Character Was Original

Aamir Khan has clarified that his 3 Idiots character, Phunsukh Wangdu was not inspired by Ladakhi engineer and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk.

Speaking at the British Film Institute in London Aamir said it is a misconception and explained that neither he nor writers Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi knew about Wangchuk while making the film for sure.

He added that although the character was not based on him but Sonam Wangchuk deserves respect for his valuable work.

Aamir also expressed much concern over Wangchuk’s health as he is currently on an indefinite hunger strike demanding statehood for Ladakh and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.

He said everyone is hoping Wangchuk remains safe and ends his fast very much soon.

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
pic.twitter.com/QaLS5AIf6p

— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) July 16, 2026