Kashmir Pen News Desk
Srinagar, July 17: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has clarified that his iconic character Phunsukh Wangdu in the 2009 film 3 Idiots was not directly based on Ladakhi innovator and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, putting to rest a long-standing public perception.
At the same time, Aamir expressed deep concern over Wangchuk’s health as the activist continues his hunger strike in New Delhi. The actor said that whether or not 3 Idiots was inspired by Wangchuk is irrelevant to the respect he deserves, adding that Wangchuk’s contribution to education and society stands on its own merit.
The clarification comes amid growing public attention to Wangchuk’s ongoing fast, which has drawn support from several members of the film fraternity. Shortly after Aamir’s statement, filmmaker Kiran Rao also extended her support, describing the nation as indebted to Wangchuk for raising awareness about issues affecting Ladakh and urging dialogue with the protesters.
Wangchuk has himself maintained in the past that he is not the real-life “Phunsukh Wangdu” and has said he was neither consulted during the making of 3 Idiots nor considered the film to be a portrayal of his life.
