Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is facing severe public backlash for his silence on the ongoing hunger strike of Sonam Wangchuk, the 59-year-old educational reformer and social activist from Ladakh who inspired Khan’s iconic character, Phunsukh Wangdu (Rancho), in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots. Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, since June 28, protesting in solidarity with the Gen-Z-led “Cockroach Janata Party” over the controversial NEET exam paper leak scandal and demanding the resignation of the Education Minister. Now on his 17th consecutive day of fasting, Wangchuk’s health has critically deteriorated, resulting in a loss of 8.5 kg and requiring constant medical supervision.
The controversy gained massive traction after Omi Vaidya, who played the rival character “Chatur” in the movie, released a poignant video message appealing to the public and stating, “I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die.” While Vaidya’s unexpected real-life support has been widely praised, Aamir Khan’s complete silence has drawn intense criticism from netizens. Social media users are calling out the actor for capitalizing on Wangchuk’s life story for cinematic success while abandoning him during a real crisis, with many pointing out the sharp irony that “Chatur” proved to be the real hero by speaking up, while the film’s “3 Idiots” proved their title right by staying silent.
