Aamir Khan on Sonam Wangchuk: 3 Idiots Not Based On His Life, We Didn't Know Him During Shoot

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has clarified that his blockbuster 3 Idiots was not based on Ladakhi innovator and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk.

Responding to a question at a public event, the actor said, "It is not true actually. That is a misconception. I didn't know about Mr Wangchuk at that time when we were doing 3 Idiots." As per the reports, Khan's character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the 2009 film was inspired by Wangchuk.

Recently, actor Om Vaidya, who played the role of Silencer aka Chatur Ramalingam, extended support to Sonam Wangchuk who has been on hunger strike since June 28, demanding education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leak in the NEET examination.

"So if you have a second to just stop, put down your work from the project that needs to be completed or the household duties, or whatever, and just take a look at what is going on... I don't want Phunsukh Wangdu to die," the actor said.

Aamir Khan pointed out that Om Vaidya was "incorrect". "He is wrong. Maybe that's what Chatur was thinking. I want to tell you that neither Raju, Abhijaat, the two writers, nor I knew know about him."

Nonetheless, Aamir Khan extended his support to the activist as his fast entered day 20. "What Sonam is doing is a good work in any case he doesn't have to be a character based on the characters of 3 Idiots for us to respect him...all of us are very concerned about his health and we hope that ends his fast," the 61-year-old stated.

Sonam Wangchuk is on indefinite strike at Jantar Mantar even as the Delhi High Court ordered daily health monitoring and urged him to stop the hunger strike.

"Whatever medical intervention is needed to save Sonam Wangchuk's life should be done," the court said. "We note that the life of any citizen is precious... and all efforts ought to be made by authorities to save the same."