Actor Omi Vaidya, remembered by millions as Chatur from ‘3 Idiots’, has voiced his support for educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Through an emotional video message, the actor appealed to the public to pay attention to Wangchuk’s declining health while reminding everyone that Aamir Khan’s iconic character Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by the activist.
Omi Vaidya’s emotional appeal for Phunsukh Wangdu
Sharing a heartfelt video on social media, Vaidya introduced himself before making a passionate request to the public.“I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die. Hello idiots, pehchana? This is Omi Vaidya, Chatur from ‘3 Idiots’ and Sadiq from ‘The Office’, and I have an important message for you. I don’t really do this very often, so please listen up.” He went on to explain the real-life inspiration behind one of Bollywood’s most loved characters.“Did you know that Phunsukh Wangdu from ‘3 Idiots’ is actually based on a real-life Ladakhi engineer, innovator, educator and reformer named Sonam Wangchuk? I’ve met this guy. He’s a pretty interesting character.” Calling Wangchuk “humble” and “a pretty impressive person,” the actor highlighted his contributions before expressing concern over his health.“Right now he is on a very long hunger strike. His blood sugar has gone down very much. I don’t know if you’ve heard about this. I don’t know if the media is reporting this. But this is a pretty important thing.”Vaidya further said that irrespective of differing opinions, he hoped people would understand the seriousness of the situation. “Whether you agree with him or not, I don’t really want this guy to die.”
Protest continues as health concerns grow
According to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Sonam Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated during the fast, with the organisation claiming he has lost nearly 9 kg since joining the protest. Wangchuk has been participating in the demonstration over alleged NEET examination irregularities while also raising concerns related to education, Ladakh’s autonomy and environmental issues.The protest has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide. CJP has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20 during the Monsoon Session.
Prashant Bhushan joins the conversation
Activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan amplified Vaidya’s message by resharing the actor’s video on X.“At least 1 character from Aamir Khan’s film ‘3 Idiots’ has come out in support of Sonam Wangchuk (the inspiration behind the Aamir Khan character) who is on fast at Jantar Mantar for 17 days, seeking the resignation of Education Minister Pradhan. Waiting to see what Aamir Khan does (sic)?”
Omi Vaidya’s work front
On the professional front, Omi Vaidya continues to be recognised for his memorable performance as Chatur Ramalingam in Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots’. Apart from the blockbuster, he has appeared in films such as ‘Dil To Baccha Hai Ji’, ‘Players’, ‘Jodi Breakers’ and ‘Desi Boyz’. His recent appeal for Sonam Wangchuk has once again brought the actor into the spotlight, with the video garnering significant attention across social media platforms.