Aamir Khan is facing intense backlash on social media as fans express deep disappointment over the silence of the 3 Idiots star on the plight of Sonam Wangchuk, the engineer and activist whose life inspired the character Ranchodas (Rancho) in the box-office hit.
While Wangchuk remains on a hunger strike that has entered the 17th day, demanding the resignation of the Indian education minister on NEET exam leak, the impassioned plea from Omi Vaidya, known for his role as Chatur in the same film, has fueled public frustration directed at the lead actor.
In the video, Vaidya offered a reminder of the gravity of the situation: “I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die.” Phunsukh Wangdu is the real name of character Rancho played by Aamir Khan in movie 3 idiots inspired by Sonam Wanchuk.
Vaidya urged followers to set aside daily routines and take notice, stating, “I think it would be really, really important for you, because I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die, and I don’t think you want him to, either.”
The video drew a number of reactions online as people highlighted that courage is needed to stand up for causes, while simultaneously bashing Aamir Khan for his silence.
One netizen noted, “IRL Chatur won the race !!!, All those 3 idiots actually got the proof of their idiocy.”
Another user remarked, “He is definitely not an idiot..the other 3 are yes.”
Others also expressed support for the message from Vaidya, while questioning Aamir Khan: “If Amir khan will not come forward, we must declare him bauna [dwarf] badmash faltu admi [useless man].”
Another user stated, “I think Amitabh Bachchan and Amir khan remind us that reel heroes are not real heroes! They serve as a reminder!”
One reaction highlighted the situation specifically: “At least 1 character from Aamir Khan’s film 3 idiots has come out in support of Sonam Wangchuk (the inspiration behind the Aamir Khan character) who is on fast at Jantar Mantar for 17 days, seeking the resignation of Education Minister Pradhan. Waiting to see what Amir Khan does?”
Criticism toward the lead cast has been scathing: “After so many years of clapping on Chatur’s defeat thinking he was a real idiot in “3 idiots” movie, now we know that he is the real Fungsuk and rest #amirkhan #madhavan & #Sharmanjoshi are the real idiots, who can’t even show just verbal solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, even after knowing that he is fighting for the right cause and the oppressor, sick, cruel Vishguru is the real villain trying to destroy him by not hearing his demands beneficial for the society.”
“But Amir Khan will not speak a word. He is busy marrying. He should have been the 1st person to visit him. Baas biographic picture karke paisa kama lena [Will only earn money doing biopics]. Where is @RajkumarHirani? Can’t believe everyone is spineless,” decried one netizen.
Another added, “Aamir Khan is planning for fourth marriage so he has to keep quiet.”
Some netizens also drew parallels between the actors and their real-life personas: “Even Chatur is praying for Wangdu. Why is Amir Khan silent?”
One user wrote, “Chatur is the real hero. Rest of the cast of 3 idiots are all cowards.”
Another user noted: “3 idiot’s movie me chatur villain tha abb dekho in real life me anyay par awaaz utake hero bana hai. Humare superstars Amir Khan aur Madhavan sab villains in real life ohh sorry my dear fellow Indians I forgot they’re artists before Indians. [Chatur was the villain in the movie 3 Idiots, but look now in real life, he has become a hero by raising his voice against injustice. Our superstars Aamir Khan and Madhavan are all villains in real life. Oh, sorry my dear fellow Indians, I forgot they are artists before Indians].”
One user took aim at the public image of Aamir Khan, noting, “Aamir Khan was a pseudo nationalist. He did Rang de Basanti & anchored Satyameva jayate during Congress rule. During Modi’s regime he was scared even to include Gujarat riots in his Laal Singh movie Hypocrite and a clear opportunist.”
