Over a decade since its release, the Bollywood comedy-drama ‘3 Idiots’ still resonates with audiences around the globe. The film, released on December 25, 2009, became an instant classic, connecting deeply with viewers in India and gaining substantial popularity in countries like China and South Korea. Helmed by director Rajkumar Hirani, it starred industry A-listers including Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Boman Irani.
The narrative follows three engineering students as they confront the rigors of academia and the weight of societal expectations, all the while exploring and chasing their true passions. The character of ‘Rancho’, essayed with exuberance by Aamir Khan, was particularly striking, having been inspired by the life and work of Sonam Wangchuk – an engineer, innovator, and education reformer.
In a revealing conversation with The Lallantop, Wangchuk recently provided a glimpse into his thoughts on ‘3 Idiots’, a film that took inspiration from his own life story. Despite the movie’s laudable messages, Wangchuk admitted to feeling a disconnect with Khan’s on-screen portrayal. “Yes, I have watched the film. It was a nice film with a good message,” Wangchuk said. Elaborating on his detachment from the character of Rancho, he humorously shared an instance where he was prompted to comment on his likeness to the character, “What do I say but somebody else told me to say that I am a lot more beautiful than the character shown in the film. So how do I attach myself with that character?” he remarked, using a metaphoric expression of beauty to represent the depth and complexity of his own persona versus the cinematic representation.
Produced with a budget of ₹55 crores, ‘3 Idiots’ was a commercial triumph, raking in a staggering ₹400.61 crores. The film’s success emanated not only from its entertainment value but also from its earnest questioning of educational norms and its heartfelt portrayal of friendship and ambition.
Adding to the film’s legacy, a nostalgic reunion occurred last year when the three leading men of ‘3 Idiots’ came together to promote Sharman Joshi’s Gujarati film ‘Congratulations’. In a playful Instagram video, fans were thrilled to see the trio, donned in matching red cricket uniforms, engage in a comic miscommunication. The video captured a light-hearted moment where Madhavan and Khan humorously interrupt Joshi’s promotion spiel, mistaken by thinking that Joshi is simply congratulating them rather than discussing his new film. The camaraderie evident in the clip was a warm throwback to the bond they shared on the set of ‘3 Idiots’.
In a film industry often scrutinized for its contribution to meaningful cinema, ‘3 Idiots’ has remained an unequivocal exception, championing a message that has endured in relevance. The trifecta of humor, emotion, and societal commentary proved a winning combination; ‘3 Idiots’ wasn’t merely a film but became a cultural symbol, a reference point in conversations about educational reform and the pursuit of happiness against the odds.
As for Sonam Wangchuk, his life and work have undoubtedly exceeded any cinematic portrayal. Through his continued pursuit of sustainable development and education reform, he embodies the innovation and idealism that ‘Rancho’ attempted to capture. It’s fair to say that while cinema can immortalize a character, it is the inspiration behind that character – people like Wangchuk – who continue to propel real-world changes, one idea at a time.
