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

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…”

Took 16 years… pic.twitter.com/SySJ4B8R5T

— Sandeep Parekh (@SandeepParekh) September 27, 2025

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.”

well both funsuk 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 alwayshttps://t.co/EIEMSySwTC pic.twitter.com/b3l9zbZcAe

— MKGandhi is NOT greater than Hindustan (@MoAmi2) September 27, 2025

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.”

3 idiots part 2 ready where Chatur cracks IAS, becomes J&K gov and arrests Phunsuk Wangdu who is associated with foreign powers. https://t.co/ojI3iMg6Eu

— Mc Adams Asli waale (@Balancing_Actor) September 26, 2025

Someone else referenced the film’s storyline and said, “Chatur could have easily got Phunsuk Wangdu jailed for identity fraud, admission fraud and degree fraud.”

Chatur could have easily got Phunsuk Wangdu jailed for identity fraud, admission fraud and degree fraud. https://t.co/nMzAC5Ym8J

— Farzi Logic (@FarziLogic) September 26, 2025

Sorry, Chatur! We’re extremely sorry for laughing at you, Chatur Ramalingam. You knew Phunsukh Wangdu was a fraud long ago. We didn’t realise. Jahaanpana Tussi Great Ho. Tohfu Kubool Karo! commented another person.

Sorry, Chatur !

We're extremely sorry for laughing at you, Chatur Ramalingam.

You knew Phunsukh Wangdu was a fraud long ago.

We didn't realize.

Jahaanpana Tussi Great Ho.

Tohfu Kubool Karo ! pic.twitter.com/4wvfVnygob

— Gaurav Pradhan

A Person Called Out Bollywood For Their Silence on Sonam Wangchuk’s Arrest
One user also pointed out, “Bollywood cannibalises lives and makes super hits. Yet nobody is speaking for Phunsukh Wangdu, who got arrested today. #SonamWangchuk.”

Bollywood cannibalises lives and makes super hits. Yet nobody is speaking for Phunsukh Wangdu, who got arrested today. #SonamWangchuk pic.twitter.com/nfWKCrVVoj

— N.S. Madhavan (@NSMlive) September 26, 2025

“Amateurs seek the sun. Get eaten. Real power lies in the shadows.” Phunsukh Wangdu never wanted attention,” mentioned someone else.

"Amateurs seek the sun. Get eaten. Real power lies in the shadows."

Phunsukh Wangdu never wanted attention pic.twitter.com/A1nqTyZgJe

— Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) September 26, 2025

After arresting the activist from Leh, he has now been shifted to Rajasthan’s Jodhpur jail.