No spine...: Aamir Khan faces political heat over remarks on Sonam Wangchuk
Aamir Khan's remarks on Sonam Wangchuk have triggered a political storm, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha accusing the actor of taking years
Aamir Khan's remarks on Sonam Wangchuk have triggered a political storm, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha accusing the actor of taking years to clarify the inspiration behind the iconic character in '3 Idiots' and saying that "having a spine in front of the State is not an easy option". The controversy erupted after Khan said that Phunsukh Wangdu, the character played by him in the 2009 blockbuster, was not based on Wangchuk, the Ladakh-based educationist and innovator who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike. Read Full Story "How many years did it take them to tell this? How many years? I don't remember. How many years ago did this film come out? And this was the news till today? To every child, every atom? Today you should understand that this should be said," Jha said, PTI reported. "It clearly shows that in the face of the power struggle, it is not an easy task to keep the grid straight for everyone," he added. Jha also urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, saying the issue was part of a "long fight" and a "long struggle". "As far as this is concerned, yesterday our leadership also appealed and said to them, because see, this hunger strike, it is useful in the power that has compassion. In the power that has compassion, whether it is dead or alive, in front of it, any democratic instrument like this does not work," he said. "Therefore, it should be emphasised that this is a long fight, a long struggle. You should think about this decision and end the hunger strike now," Jha added.
SANJAY SINGH ALSO ATTACKS AAMIR KHAN AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also launched a sharp attack on Khan following his remarks. "Aamir Khan or any Pathan doesn't have guts to speak against govt, fears ED raid. All Khans Pathans have bowed before BJP. He left with BJP. What was his name? Yusuf Pathan. Even Yusuf Pathan is now with BJP," Singh said. WHY AAMIR KHAN'S REMARKS TRIGGERED A CONTROVERSY Speaking at the London Indian Film Festival, Khan said the belief that Phunsukh Wangdu was based on Wangchuk was a misconception. "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, 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." The clarification quickly drew criticism from politicians, activists and social media users, many of whom questioned why the distinction was being made years after the film's release. 'WHY IS HE SO SCARED?': HUSAIN DALWAI Senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Husain Dalwai said he was surprised by Khan's remarks and questioned why the actor appeared to be "so scared". "He is wrong... I didn't know he was so scared. Aamir Khan is one of my favourite actors and producers but I wonder why he is so scared.
The BriefWire