Kiran Rao backs Sonam Wangchuk as Aamir Khan denies 3 Idiots role was based on him
Filmmaker Kiran Rao has extended her support to climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day on
Filmmaker Kiran Rao has extended her support to climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday. Her statement came shortly after actor Aamir Khan dismissed the long-held belief that his 3 Idiots character Rancho was based on Wangchuk, while also expressing concern over the activist's deteriorating health. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. His protest has drawn support from across the country, with several film personalities and digital creators urging the government to hold talks with him and asking him to end his fast for the sake of his health. Supporters have also linked the protest to demands for education reforms, accountability for paper leaks, and the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Read Full Story Kiran Rao, like several other celebrities, expressed concern over Wangchuk’s worsening health during the fast.
In a show of solidarity, she changed her Instagram display picture to an image of Wangchuk carrying the message, “I Support Sonam.” In her note, Rao wrote, “I stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP, and all the citizens of this country, young and old, who are protesting for the rights of our students. My salaams to Sonam ji, Neha, Maneesh, Ameen and all the others for undertaking a hunger strike to make sure that justice is served. Our nation is indebted to you for shaking us out of our apathy and reminding us that every voice counts.” She added, “It is so distressing to witness the complete silence that this hunger strike has been met with, even after 19 days. What will it take for those in power to listen to the people? it is shocking and inhumane. I urge the government to enter into a dialogue with the protestors, to understand the pain of the students, and end this impasse.
We the people have a right to be heard. Rao’s support came as Aamir Khan addressed the long-running public belief that his character Rancho in 3 Idiots was based on Wangchuk. The actor said the assumption was factually incorrect and that neither he nor the film’s writers were aware of Wangchuk while making the 2009 film. At the same time, Aamir said he was concerned about Wangchuk’s deteriorating health and hoped he would end his indefinite fast soon. The statement marked his first response as the fast entered Day 20. Support for Wangchuk has also come from several Bollywood figures and online creators. Zeenat Aman described him as one of India’s greatest minds and urged the authorities to negotiate with him. 3 Idiots actor Omi Vaidya shared an emotional video saying, “I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die,” referring to the film character. Sonakshi Sinha said asking the government for a conversation should never be seen as anti-national.
The BriefWire