Omi Vaidya backs Sonam Wangchuk amid Aamir Khan silence

Actor Omi Vaidya has voiced his support for education reformer and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, prompting fresh questions from fans over Aamir Khan’s silence despite Wangchuk being the real-life inspiration behind his iconic 3 Idiots character, Phunsukh Wangdu.
Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur in the 2009 blockbuster, shared an emotional video on social media urging people to pay attention to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health. The activist has been on an indefinite hunger strike for more than two weeks, demanding reforms related to education, environmental protection and governance in Ladakh.
Introducing himself as “Chatur from 3 Idiots,” Vaidya reminded viewers that Wangchuk inspired Aamir Khan’s on-screen character. He encouraged people to learn about the issues behind the protest, saying that regardless of political views, he did not want Wangchuk’s health to worsen.
“I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die,” Vaidya said in the video, urging the public to raise awareness about the activist’s campaign. His appeal quickly gained traction online, with many praising the actor for speaking out on a humanitarian issue.
As the video spread across social media, many users began questioning why Aamir Khan had not publicly commented on Wangchuk’s hunger strike. Several fans pointed out that while Vaidya’s character, Chatur, had spoken in support of Wangchuk, Rancho—the character inspired by him—had remained silent.
Comments such as “Chatur can speak but Rancho is silent” and “Why is Aamir Khan silent?” circulated widely across social media platforms, reflecting growing public curiosity over the actor’s lack of response. However, Aamir Khan has not issued any public statement regarding Wangchuk or the ongoing protest.
According to recent health updates shared by organisers of the protest, Wangchuk has lost significant weight since beginning his hunger strike, raising concerns about his condition. Supporters continue to call for dialogue with authorities while urging greater public attention to the issues he has highlighted.
Sonam Wangchuk is a renowned engineer, innovator and education reformer from Ladakh. His work inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in 3 Idiots, although Wangchuk has previously distanced himself from direct comparisons with the fictional role.
The latest developments have generated widespread discussion online, with many users applauding Vaidya’s message while continuing to speculate about Aamir Khan’s silence. Others stressed that celebrities are not obligated to comment publicly on every issue, even as debate around Wangchuk’s campaign continues.
As Wangchuk’s protest enters another week, attention remains focused on both his health and the growing public conversation sparked by Vaidya’s appeal. For now, Aamir Khan has not responded publicly, leaving fans to continue debating his silence while support for Wangchuk’s cause grows on social media.