RJD MP Manoj Jha criticized actor Aamir Khan for clarifying that activist Sonam Wangchuk did not inspire the film "3 Idiots" [1].
The exchange highlights the growing tension between public figures and activists in India, particularly as Wangchuk continues a high-profile protest against the government.
Jha questioned the timing of Khan's statement, suggesting that the clarification came at a moment when the activist is facing significant pressure [2]. He said that showing a spine in front of the government is not easy, contrasting the actor's words with the physical and political risks taken by Wangchuk [1].
Wangchuk's current hunger strike has entered its 20th day [2]. The activist is protesting for specific regional protections and governance changes, a move that has drawn national attention and divided opinion among the political elite.
Jha's comments imply that the actor's distance from the activist is a reflection of the difficulty of opposing the current administration [3]. He said that while a clarification may be factually accurate regarding a movie's production, the social context of the statement matters more than the cinematic history.
Khan had previously provided the clarification to address ongoing public speculation about the link between the activist's life and the character in the 2009 film [1]. Jha said the issue was one of courage and political will rather than creative attribution [2].
The RJD MP said that standing up to state power requires a level of resolve that is rarely seen in the entertainment industry [3].
“Showing a spine in front of the government is not easy.”
This clash underscores the intersection of celebrity influence and grassroots activism in India. By framing Aamir Khan's clarification as a lack of courage, Manoj Jha is attempting to pivot a cinematic trivia point into a broader critique of how the Indian elite interact with the state during times of civil unrest.
