London: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has clarified that his iconic character Phunsukh Wangdu (Rancho) from the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots was not based on education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, dispelling a long-standing misconception.
Speaking during a post-screening Q&A session at the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), Khan said neither he nor the film’s writers knew Wangchuk when the film was made. He, however, praised Wangchuk’s work and expressed concern over his deteriorating health amid his ongoing hunger strike, urging him to end the fast.
Khan also said that his 3 Idiots co-star Omi Vaidya’s recent claim linking the character to Wangchuk was incorrect, adding that Wangchuk’s contributions deserve recognition on their own merit and do not require any association with the film.
