Remember Phunsukh Wangdu, Chatur From ‘3 Idiots’? They Are Trending — Why?

Aamir Khan’s character from 3 Idiots is loosely inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. (Photo Credit: X)

Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370, a move that was initially welcomed but soon gave rise to demands for statehood and protection under the Sixth Schedule, which grew stronger. Activist Sonam Wangchuk soon became a key leader for the movement, raising concerns about jobs, the environment and their culture. To press these demands, he led peaceful protests over the years. On September 10, he began a hunger strike in Leh, alongside the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Soon, the protest turned violent, leaving four dead and over 90 injured. On September 24, Wangchuk called off the protest, citing concerns over rising violence. Two days later, on September 26, he was arrested by Leh Police under the National Security Act (NSA). Following his arrest, the characters, Phunsukh Wangdu, loosely based on Wangchuk’s life, and Chatur, from Aamir Khan’s superhit film 3 Idiots, are trending on social media.

Internet Reacts To Sonam Wangchuk’s Arrest

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), a user shared a line from the iconic confrontation between the two characters towards the end of the film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, where Chatur tells Phunsukh, “Ek din tum roage aur main hasunga.” He captioned the post, “Took 16 years…”

Meanwhile, another person joked, “Well both Phunsukh Wangdu & Chatur are crying now. Chatur also is facing H1B, racism and caste-laws heat. Ultimately, only Shyamaldas Chanchad and family has the last laugh. Motabhai rocks always.”

Quoting the news of Sonam Wangchuk’s arrest, a different user shared, “3 idiots part 2 ready where Chatur cracks IAS, becomes J&K gov and arrests Phunsuk Wangdu, who is associated with foreign powers.”