Actor Aamir Khan said at an event on Thursday that his character Phunsukh Wangdu in the 2009 film, 3 idiotsThe activist said it was not based on Sonam Wangchuk, calling it a misconception, which Wangchuk herself has clarified in the past. Khan made the remarks while reacting for the first time to Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike at Jantar Mantar against irregularities in the NEET exam.

Also, Khan said the focus should be on Wangchuk’s health, as the activist’s indefinite fast entered its 20th day on Friday. He said that there is no need to have any connection with Wangchuk’s work 3 idiots So that people respect him.

Responding to a question at a British Film Institute event held in England, Khan clarified, “This is a misconception. I know I saw a video of Chatur (Omi Vaidya) recently. That is wrong. Neither director Rajkumar Hirani nor writer Abhishek knew Joshi Wangchuk while making the film.”

Over the years, many have believed that Khan’s character Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. The discussion resurfaced after US-based actor Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur, 3 idiotshad recently extended support to Wangchuk, saying that Phunsukh Wangdu was based on him. Vaidya also shared his pictures with Wangchuk.

At the BFI event, Khan said that Wangchuk’s work should be respected regardless of any alleged connection with 3 Idiots. “Mr Sonam has said earlier also that this character is not about him,” Khan said, adding that everyone is concerned about Wangchuk’s life and health and hopes he ends his fast.

The actor said, “We are all very worried about his health and his life. We hope this ends well. We are all hoping that he ends his fast.”

However, Wangchuk has repeatedly stated that while the film may be influenced by his work, the character is not his story. during an appearance on Who wants to be a millionaireHe said, “If you say inspired, I won’t deny it. A lot of people say the film is based on me, but I don’t agree with that. The right word is it can be inspired or influenced. Also, I don’t want people in this country to accept something just because it’s inspired by a film. So even if the film is inspired by me, I’m not very proud of it. And if it’s not inspired by me, I don’t regret it either.”

Wangchuk is in the news for his indefinite hunger strike launched by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar from June 28. He is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. He has continued his fast despite reports of deteriorating health and increasing calls from politicians and Bollywood celebrities to protest against him.