India, July 18 -- Aamir Khan has clarified that his iconic 3 Idiots (2009) character was not inspired by educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since June 28. However, the actor expressed concern for Wangchuk's health and said, "All of us are very concerned for his health and his life. We hope it ends well. All of us are hoping that he ends his fast." Khan addressed the long-standing claim during a post-screening conversation at the London Indian Film Festival, where Lagaan (2001) was screened on Thursday. Asked about Wangchuk, whose life has often been linked to Rancho, also known as Phunsukh Wangdu, Khan said, "No, that is not true actually. That is a misconception. I didn't know about Mr Sonam at that time when we were doing the film, 3 Idiots. I saw a video of Chatur (played by actor Omi Vaidya) just recently, and he said that. But he is wrong." He added that neither director Rajkumar Hirani nor co-writer Abhijat Joshi knew of Wangchuk while making the film, but stressed that the activist's work deserved respect regardless of any connection to 3 Idiots. Earlier this week, Vaidya shared a video supporting Wangchuk and claimed that Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by his life. Wangchuk joined a protest launched by the Cockroach Janata Party over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, which has since expanded into a wider demand for examination reforms and accountability. Following Khan's clarification, an old interview of Hirani with Komal Nahta resurfaced, in which the filmmaker revealed the real-life inspiration behind Phunsukh Wangdu. Hirani recalled the story of a young man, whom he said he could not name, who attended the Film and Television Institute of India in place of a friend who had secured admission but was not allowed by his family to pursue cinema. "Teen saal tak kisi ko pata nahin chala ki woh koi aur hai," he said. When told that he would not receive a certificate, the student replied, "Main certificate ke liye thodi aaya hoon. Mujhe toh cinema seekhna tha, maine seekh liya." Hirani said the incident went on to inspire the character. HTC...