How ‘3 Idiots’ Redefined Success
The beloved film poignantly critiqued academic pressure. But are we any closer to a world where learning thrives over fear?
Ranchhoddas “Rancho” Shamaldas Chanchad is standing before an engineering class. The principal, frustrated with Rancho’s easygoing attitude at the highly competitive Imperial College of Engineering, has challenged Rancho. If he’s so smart, why not teach the class? So Rancho writes two words on the chalkboard: “FARHANIRATE” and “PRERAJULISATION.” He asks the class to define them in the next 30 seconds. Chaos erupts as the students — and even the principal — frantically flip through textbooks. Yet, no one gets it right, not even close.
“When I asked the question, did anyone think, ‘I’ll get to learn something new and it’ll be exciting?’ No. Everyone started to race, as if coming in first will matter,” Rancho rued. He admitted he had made up the words, proving what he had always suspected: what motivated his peers wasn’t learning, but fear — of not getting the answer, of not being first, of someone else being more successful.
When 3 Idiots (2009) came out, it became a sensation not just in India, but all over the world, especially in China. Students, amid their pressure cooker environments, felt seen. Over 15 years later, people can easily quote its most iconic scenes. Still, one must ask: have Indian attitudes toward learning actually changed?