New Delhi, July 17 -- Aamir Khan's statement that Sonam Wangchuk did not inspire 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu has triggered sharp debate online, with social media users split between supporting the actor's clarification and criticising his response.

Actor Aamir Khan has triggered widespread discussion online after distancing the iconic 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu from Ladakh-based education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk, while also expressing concern over the activist's ongoing hunger strike.

Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, Khan described the long-standing belief that Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Wangchuk as a "misconception". He said Wangchuk himself had repeatedly clarified that the character ...