actor: Omi Vaidyaremembered by millions as Chatur from ‘3 Idiots’, expressed his support for the teacher and climate activist Sonam Wangchukwho is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. 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 plea for Phunsukh Wangdu
Sharing a heartfelt video on social media, Vaidya introduced himself before making an impassioned appeal 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 often, so please listen.” 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, teacher and reformer named Sonam Wangchuk? I met this person. He is quite an interesting character.” Calling Wangchuk “humble” and “an impressive person,” the actor highlighted his contributions before expressing concern for his health.“Now he’s on a long hunger strike. His blood sugar has dropped a lot. I don’t know if you’ve heard about it. I don’t know if the media is reporting it. But it’s an important thing.”Vaidya added that regardless of differing opinions, he hoped people would understand the seriousness of the situation. “Whether you agree or not, I really don’t want this man to die.”
The protest continues as health concerns grow
According to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Sonam Wangchuk’s health deteriorated during the fast, with the organization claiming that she has lost around 9 kg since joining the protest. Wangchuk joined the demonstration over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination while also raising concerns related to education, Ladakh autonomy and environmental issues.The protest demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide. The CJP also announced a peaceful march in Parliament on July 20 during the Monsoon Session.
Prashant Bhushan joined the conversation
Activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan amplified Vaidya’s message by re-sharing the X actor’s video.“At least 1 character from Aamir Khan’s film ‘3 Idiots’ has come out in support of Sonam Wangchuk (the inspiration behind Aamir Khan’s character) who fasted at Jantar Mantar for 17 days, demanding the resignation of Education Ministry Pradhan. Waiting to see what Aamir Khan (sic) does?”
The front of Omi Vaidya’s work
On the professional front, Omi Vaidya continues to be recognized for his memorable performance as Chatur Ramalingam in Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots’. Apart from the blockbuster, he appeared in films like ‘Dil To Baccha Hai Ji’, ‘Players’, ‘Jodi Breakers’ and ‘Desi Boyz’. His recent appeal for Sonam Wangchuk has brought the actor back into the spotlight, with the video garnering a lot of attention on social media platforms.