NEW DELHI: Aamir Khan’s controversial remarks in relation to Sonam Wangchuk not being the inspiration behind Phunsukh Wangdu in “3 idiots” has led to a rebuke from political parties who accused the actor of being unwilling to take a stand out of fear of the ruling establishment.Responding to a question at the London Indian Film Festival, Khan said that neither he nor director Rajkumar Hirani or writer Abhijat Joshi knew Wangchuk when they made the film.“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.”
Political reaction to comment
RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha questioned the timing of Khan’s 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 told PTI.Senior Congress leader Husain Dalwai said he wonders why Khan is “so scared.” He said Khan should “learn from actor Naseeruddin Shah on how to speak fearlessly” and at least express sympathy for Wangchuk.AAP 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.Advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan said Khan’s response shows that “he is now a pale shadow of the person who made ‘3 Idiots’ and many other revolutionary films.”Former Congress leader Sanjay Jha also took a swipe: “Now Aamir Khan says Phunsukh Wangdu in ‘3 Idiots’ is not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. Correct. Just like ‘Gandhi’, the 1982 film is not based on Mahatma Gandhi.”Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. He has been protesting since June 28, demanding education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged multiple exam irregularities.
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