Aamir Khan Denies ‘3 Idiots’ Character Based on Sonam Wangchuk

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan stated on June 15, 2024, that the character Rancho from the 2009 film "3 Idiots" was not based on educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Khan addressed the persistent rumor during a BFI In Conversation event at BFI Southbank, which was part of the London Indian Film Festival. The festival also commemorated the 25th anniversary of Khan's film "Lagaan."

Khan explicitly denied the connection, stating, "No, that’s not true, actually." The rumor has circulated for years, linking Wangchuk's innovative educational methods and environmental activism to the fictional character Rancho, who champions unconventional learning. Wangchuk himself has previously acknowledged the comparison but maintained that the film's portrayal was not directly based on his life.

"3 Idiots," directed by Rajkumar Hirani, became a major commercial success in India and internationally, praised for its critique of the Indian education system and its message of pursuing passion over societal pressure. The film's themes resonated widely, contributing to the enduring speculation about its real-life inspirations. The BFI event provided Khan an opportunity to directly refute this specific claim, offering clarity on the character's origins.

The London Indian Film Festival, running from June 14 to June 21, 2024, featured a retrospective of Khan's work and discussions on Indian cinema. The festival's programming aims to showcase the diversity and impact of Indian filmmaking on a global stage. Khan's participation highlighted his significant contributions to the industry, while also addressing long-standing public curiosities about his iconic roles.