“Maybe He Had Short-Term Memory Loss”: Sonam Wangchuk Responds to Aamir Khan’s Denial Over ‘3 Idiots’ Inspiration

The long-standing debate regarding whether the iconic character Phunsukh Wangdu from the 2009 blockbuster 3 Idiots was inspired by real-life innovator and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has taken a humorous turn.

Following recent remarks by Aamir Khan, who dismissed claims that the character was based on the Ladakh-based activist, Wangchuk has offered a witty rebuttal that has since gone viral.

A Playful Jibe at ‘Ghajini’

The controversy reignited after Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur Ramalingam in the film, publicly affirmed that the character of Phunsukh Wangdu was indeed modeled after Wangchuk. Aamir Khan, however, later contradicted this, labeling the claim as “wrong.”

Addressing this denial on a recent podcast with Prakhar Gupta, Wangchuk lightened the tension with a reference to one of Khan’s most famous roles. “In the videos that resurfaced, he was watching my speech in his Ghajini outfit,” Wangchuk joked. “Maybe because he was in that outfit, he may have encountered short-term memory loss. He may have forgotten our meeting after 15 minutes. So, I’m not surprised.”

“Too Immersed in Character”

Wangchuk provided context to the nature of their relationship, noting that their interaction was not merely a brief encounter. He revealed that the two had engaged in a “detailed meeting” prior to the film’s development.

The activist theorized that Khan’s dedication to his craft might be the reason for the disconnect. “They say he gets too immersed in his characters,” Wangchuk suggested. “Maybe he was too immersed in the Ghajini character when he saw me receive an award at an event he also attended. Otherwise, we discussed a lot of ideas.”

Inspiration vs. Representation

Despite the public disagreement, Wangchuk remained gracious, clarifying that he does not necessarily insist the character was a direct, literal representation of his life. Instead, he framed it as the nature of the creative process.

“That’s what we call influence or inspiration, right?” Wangchuk said. “Maybe he went with those ideas to his writers and changed the script. It is possible he did it subconsciously, and perhaps the writers didn’t even know where the ideas originated. I don’t have any issue with that, whatever the case may be.”

Legacy of a Cult Classic

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 3 Idiots remains a landmark film in Indian cinema. Beyond its commercial success—grossing over Rs 460 crore worldwide—the film is celebrated for its commentary on the education system and its memorable performances by Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

As fans continue to speculate about the origins of the beloved Phunsukh Wangdu, the lighthearted exchange between Khan and Wangchuk has only added to the film’s enduring intrigue. Rumors of a potential sequel continue to circulate, keeping the conversation around the “3 Idiots” legacy very much alive.