Aamir Khan denies Sonam Wangchuk inspired '3 Idiots' character Rancho

Bollywood star Aamir Khan has dismissed the long-standing belief that his iconic "3 Idiots" character Rancho (Phunsukh Wangdu) was based on activist Sonam Wangchuk. Speaking during a Q&A session at the London Indian Film Festival, Khan called the claim a "misconception", saying neither he, director Rajkumar Hirani, nor writer Abhijat Joshi knew Wangchuk while making the 2009 blockbuster.

Khan's clarification came after actor Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in the film, suggested on X that Rancho was inspired by Wangchuk. Responding to the claim, Khan said, "No, that's not true actually."

Despite denying the connection, Khan praised Wangchuk's work and expressed concern over his ongoing hunger strike. "All of us are hoping he ends his fast and looks after his health," he said.