PTI
New Delhi
Aamir Khan on Friday sparked a debate with his comments that his ‘3 Idiots’ character Phunsukh Wangdu was not based on Sonam Wangchuk, leading to a rebuke from political parties RJD, Congress and AAP, who said the actor was unwilling to take a stand out of fear of the ruling establishment.
Responding to a question at the London Indian Film Festival, Khan said neither he nor director Rajkumar Hirani or writer Abhijat Joshi knew Wangchuk when they made the 2009 blockbuster.
“No, that’s not true actually. That is a misconception. I didn’t know about Mr Sonam at that time when we were doing this film ‘3 Idiots’… However, what Mr Sonam is doing is good work in any case. He doesn’t have to be based on the character of ‘3 Idiots’ for us to respect him and the work that he does,” Khan said.
Asked about Wangchuk’s hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, Khan said, “I think all of us are very concerned for his health…We hope that it ends well. All of us are hoping he ends his fast and looks after his health.”
As Khan’s comments started circulating on social media, RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha questioned the timing of his clarification. “It took them years to say this. I don’t even remember how many years ago the film was released. Until now, everyone believed the same thing. Only now have you realised that this is what should have been said. It shows having a spine in front of the state is not an easy option,” Jha said.
Jha also referred to Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike, saying his party’s leadership had appealed to the activist to withdraw it as “there is no point holding a fast before a power that lacks compassion”.
Senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Husain Dalwai said he wonders why Khan is “so scared”.
Khan should “learn from actor Naseeruddin Shah on how to speak fearlessly” and at least express sympathy for Wangchuk, he added.
“… I didn’t know he was so scared. Aamir Khan is one of my favourite actors and producers but I wonder why he is so scared. Sonam Wangchuk has been sitting on a hunger strike for so many days. He should express sympathy with him and support him,” Dalwai said.
Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also criticised the actor. “Whether it is Aamir Khan or anyone else, this Modi government has exposed everyone’s character. They have all bowed before it. They do not have the courage to speak,” Singh said.
In a post on X, advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan said Khan’s response to a question about Wangchuk shows that “he is now a pale shadow of the person who made ‘3 Idiots’ and many other revolutionary films”.
