Bollywood star Aamir Khan is facing heavy criticism online for staying silent about the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, the man whose life inspired the character of Rancho in the hit film 3 Idiots. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 17 days, demanding that India’s education minister resign over the NEET exam leak issue.
The backlash grew after Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur in the same movie, posted a video urging people to pay attention to Wangchuk’s condition. Vaidya said he did not want the real-life Rancho to lose his life over this cause. His appeal spread quickly online, with many fans pointing out that Vaidya, whose character was the film’s “villain,” had shown more courage than the movie’s real heroes.
Social media users flooded platforms with comments criticizing Aamir Khan and his co-stars for not speaking up. Many pointed out the irony that Chatur, once seen as the film’s least likeable character, was now being called braver than the actual leads. Some users also brought up Khan’s personal life and his past political stances, using the moment to question his public image more broadly.
Other users defended free expression but urged public figures with large followings to use their platform for causes affecting real people. The controversy highlights how fictional characters and their real actors are being compared to the real activist who inspired the story, with many asking why the film’s stars have not shown public support for Wangchuk’s protest.
As of now, Aamir Khan has not issued any official statement addressing the criticism or Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike.
