The ongoing debate over the connection between 3 Idiots and Sonam Wangchuk has taken a fresh turn after an old video of the Ladakh-based innovator and activist meeting Aamir Khan resurfaced online. The clip emerged shortly after Aamir clarified that he was not aware of Sonam Wangchuk during the making of the 2009 blockbuster film.
The video, which is now being widely shared on social media, features Sonam Wangchuk recalling his meeting with Aamir Khan in 2008, a year before the release of 3 Idiots. In the clip, Sonam talks about meeting the actor at an event in Mumbai, where he discussed an idea for a film based on the Siachen conflict.
Sharing details of their interaction, Sonam said he had suggested making a film that highlighted the tensions between countries over the Siachen glacier and showed how resources spent on conflict could instead be used for education and development.
According to Sonam, Aamir listened to his idea and also watched a presentation during their meeting. The video also shows glimpses from the 2008 event, where Sonam received an award while Aamir was seen applauding him.
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Sonam further recalled that after travelling to Europe for studies in Earth Architecture, he began receiving messages from friends in December 2009 about Aamir Khan starring in a film that appeared to be inspired by his life and his school in Ladakh.
He said people told him that the film was based on him and that his school had been shown in the movie. However, when he contacted the school, he learned that the 3 Idiots team had approached them for shooting but was not allowed to film there due to concerns over the production team’s use of plastic materials. The film was eventually shot at another nearby school.
The resurfaced video has sparked fresh discussions among fans, especially after Aamir Khan recently denied that Sonam Wangchuk inspired his iconic character Rancho, also known as Phunsukh Wangdu, in 3 Idiots.
During an interaction at the British Film Institute, Aamir said that the belief that Rancho was based on Sonam Wangchuk was a misconception. He stated that neither he, director Rajkumar Hirani, nor writer Abhijat Joshi knew about Sonam while making the film.
Aamir also clarified that even though the character was not based on Sonam Wangchuk, he continues to respect his work as an educator and innovator. He added that Sonam’s contributions do not need a connection with 3 Idiots for people to appreciate them.
Following the resurfacing of the old video, social media users have been divided. Some fans questioned Aamir’s statement, pointing out that the two had met before the film’s release. Others defended the actor, saying that as a celebrity who meets many people regularly, it may not be possible for him to remember every interaction.
The controversy has once again brought attention to the long-running discussion about the inspiration behind Rancho’s character. While Sonam Wangchuk’s innovative work and educational initiatives have often been compared to the fictional character from 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan and the film’s makers have maintained that the connection is not factually accurate.
As the debate continues online, the resurfaced video has added another layer to the conversation surrounding one of Bollywood’s most loved films and the real-life personalities associated with its legacy.
