Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has denied that his character in "3 Idiots" was based on Ladakhi educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, addressing the long-standing rumour at a BFI In Conversation event at BFI Southbank during the London Indian Film Festival. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of Khan's Oscar-nominated film "Lagaan". The denial matters because the rumour resurfaced amid concern over Wangchuk's health during a hunger strike calling for the resignation of India's education minister.

The speculation was reignited when "3 Idiots" co-star Omi Vaidya, who played Chatur, posted a video linking Khan's character Phunsukh Wangdu to Wangchuk. Khan said neither he, director Rajkumar Hirani nor writer Abhijat Joshi knew of Wangchuk when making the film, while stressing respect for his activism and hoping his fast ends well. Elsewhere in the conversation, Khan reflected on "Lagaan" turning 25, his family's initial opposition to his acting career, his junior tennis career including an exhibition alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, and formative early experiences on film sets.