Nitesh Tiwari’s 2016 wrestling drama, Dangal, starring the renowned Aamir Khan, became an international sensation, earning a staggering ₹2,000 crore globally. Despite its massive success at the box office and how it spotlighted the Phogat family, including wrestler-turned-politician Babita Phogat, the financial gains for the family were surprisingly minimal. In an illuminating conversation with News 24, Babita Phogat opened up about the financial deals that were struck between her family and the filmmakers, revealing an unexpected dimension of their experience post-Dangal.
Babita Phogat candidly disclosed that the Phogat family received only about ₹1 crore for their story, which is less than 1% of the blockbuster’s total earnings. This revelation came as a surprise to many, considering the film’s record-breaking performance and its significant impact in promoting wrestling and women’s empowerment in India. The financial agreement reached for the rights to their inspirational story was sealed before Aamir Khan came on board as a producer, during the film’s developmental phase led by director Nitesh Tiwari.
In the interview, Babita Phogat shared insights into her father’s perspective on the whole affair. Mahavir Singh Phogat, the father of Geeta and Babita, had a simple wish – to garner respect and love from people, rather than prioritizing financial returns. “My father always said, ‘We want people’s respect and love. Leave everything else’,” Babita recounted, emphasizing the importance her father placed on recognition and respect over financial gain.
Although Dangal undoubtedly boosted Babita Phogat’s prominence, she stressed that it was the overwhelming support from the people that truly elevated her fame, more so than the cinematic portrayal. Reflecting on interactions with Aamir Khan’s team, Babita recalled a pivotal moment when they suggested changing the characters’ names. Mahavir Phogat steadfastly refused this proposal, opting for authenticity and preserving the real-life identities that resonated with the audience.
With the film’s monumental success, Babita’s father attempted to leverage the newfound fame to further the sport’s reach in India. He approached Aamir Khan’s team about establishing a wrestling academy in Haryana, hoping to nurture future generations of wrestlers.
. Despite the discussions, Babita revealed that this initiative remained in limbo, as Aamir’s team never provided a definitive answer, and the proposed academy remained unrealized.
Dangal’s narrative chronicled the journey of India’s pioneering female wrestlers, Geeta and Babita Phogat, along with their dedicated father, Mahavir Singh Phogat. This inspiring tale captivated audiences worldwide, leading the film to become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Its portrayal of women’s empowerment in a male-dominated sport resonated deeply, sparking discussions not only in India but across the globe.
Meanwhile, Aamir Khan, the veritable star of Dangal, embarked on subsequent cinematic ventures, such as the family-friendly Laal Singh Chaddha. However, this film didn’t strike the same chord with audiences and underperformed at the box office, contrasting sharply with Dangal’s phenomenal success. Co-star Sanya Malhotra, who played a role in Dangal, was seen in Meghna Gulzar’s biopic Sam Bahadur, sharing the screen with Vicky Kaushal. As for Fatima Sana Shaikh, she is gearing up for her role in Anurag Basu’s upcoming anthology, Metro…In Dino.
In this unfolding saga of cinematic achievements and financial realities, Babita Phogat’s reflections offer a stark reminder of the complexities behind the silver screen spectacles. Dangal may have cast a spotlight on the Phogat family’s story, but it also highlights the often-unseen dynamics of movie-making, where emotional fulfillment sometimes takes precedence over monetary gain. Through Babita’s revelations, the world gains a deeper understanding of the Phogat family’s journey, underscoring both the triumphs and challenges they faced in the aftermath of a cinematic milestone.
