Aamir Khan breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk protest, says he prefers to stay apolitical

Aamir Khan has finally addressed questions surrounding his silence on education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike, using the opportunity to explain why he generally avoids taking political positions in public.

Speaking during an interaction at the British Film Institute (BFI), the actor said he prefers to remain apolitical, even when commenting on sensitive public issues. While expressing concern for Wangchuk’s health, Aamir carefully avoided making any political statement about the protest itself.

Aamir Khan explains why he stays away from politics

Responding to a question about Sonam Wangchuk’s fast at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Aamir said he did not want his remarks to be interpreted as a political opinion.

Instead, he chose to focus on the humanitarian aspect of the situation, saying that his concern was for Wangchuk’s well-being rather than the political debate surrounding the protest.

"We are all very concerned about his health and his life," Aamir said, adding that he hopes the activist ends his fast soon and takes care of himself.

His response reflected a conscious effort to separate personal concern from political commentary, reinforcing his long-held preference to avoid aligning publicly with political positions.

Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk "On His Deathbed" as Doctors Warn of Critical Health Risks; Support Grows

Clarifies '3 Idiots' misconception

During the same interaction, Aamir also addressed the widely held belief that his character, Phunsukh Wangdu, in 3 Idiots was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk.

Rejecting the claim, he said neither director Rajkumar Hirani nor writer Abhijat Joshi, nor he himself, knew Wangchuk when the film was being made.

Calling it a misconception, Aamir said the team had no knowledge of Wangchuk at the time and noted that the activist himself has previously clarified that the character was not based on him.

Respect beyond politics

Although distancing himself from political commentary, Aamir praised Sonam Wangchuk's contributions and said his work deserves recognition regardless of any association with 3 Idiots.

By choosing to speak only about Wangchuk's health and correcting factual inaccuracies about the film, Aamir underscored his approach of remaining apolitical while acknowledging the activist's achievements.

His remarks come after several days of social media discussions questioning his silence on Wangchuk's protest, particularly after 3 Idiots co-star Omi Vaidya publicly expressed support for the activist.