Aamir Khan Says Rancho Was Never Based on Sonam Wangchuk, Calls It a ‘Misconception’

What began as an attempt to clear up a long-standing Bollywood belief has now snowballed into a political controversy. Aamir Khan is facing criticism from political leaders and sections of social media after clarifying that his iconic 3 Idiots character, Phunsukh Wangdu, popularly known as Rancho, was not inspired by education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Speaking during a session at the London Indian Film Festival, Aamir Khan dismissed the long-held assumption that Rancho was based on Wangchuk’s life. The actor said neither he, director Rajkumar Hirani nor writer Abhijat Joshi knew Sonam Wangchuk when 3 Idiots was being made.

Calling the belief a “misconception,” Aamir Khan said that while Wangchuk’s work deserves appreciation, it should not be linked to the film’s fictional character. He added that people could respect the activist for his contributions without assuming he inspired Rancho. The actor also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health and appealed to him to end his ongoing hunger strike.

Aamir Khan’s Statement Sparks Political Criticism and Revives an Old Debate

Aamir Khan’s clarification soon moved beyond the world of cinema and entered the political arena.

Several opposition leaders questioned the timing of the actor’s statement, arguing that it came at a time when Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and campaign for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh had once again brought him into the national spotlight. Former Congress leader Sanjay Jha mocked the clarification on X, comparing it to saying that Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi “was not based on Mahatma Gandhi.” RJD MP Manoj Jha also criticised Aamir Khan, suggesting the actor should have taken a firmer stand.

As the political reactions gained momentum, social media users also joined the debate. An old video from 2008 showing Aamir Khan with Sonam Wangchuk resurfaced online, with many users claiming it contradicted the actor’s statement that he did not know the activist during the making of 3 Idiots. Others, however, argued that the meeting took place after the film’s development and did not necessarily establish that the character was based on Wangchuk.

The resurfaced footage has only added to the discussion, with users continuing to debate whether Rancho was inspired by Wangchuk despite Aamir Khan’s clarification.

Aamir Khan’s Remarks Coincide With Growing Support for Sonam Wangchuk

The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike, through which he is demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule.

Soon after Aamir Khan’s remarks, filmmaker Kiran Rao publicly expressed support for Wangchuk, praising his work and acknowledging his efforts to bring attention to the issues concerning Ladakh. Her message further amplified the conversation surrounding the activist’s campaign.

Despite distancing Rancho from Wangchuk, Aamir Khan maintained that he has immense respect for the education reformer and reiterated that the absence of a direct connection between the film and Wangchuk does not diminish the importance of his work.

The actor’s clarification, however, has reignited a debate that has existed ever since 3 Idiots released in 2009. For years, audiences have associated the fictional Phunsukh Wangdu with Sonam Wangchuk because of the similarities between the character’s ideas on education and the innovator’s real-life work.

With political leaders weighing in, old videos resurfacing and social media remaining divided, Aamir Khan’s attempt to address the speculation has instead given new life to one of Bollywood’s longest-running discussions. Whether the clarification settles the matter or fuels further debate, the conversation around Rancho’s inspiration appears far from over.