Superstar Aamir Khan has once again made headlines, not for an upcoming movie but for an endearing gesture. The Bollywood actor recently video called wrestler Vinesh Phogat following her return to India from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat, who achieved a historic victory in her semifinal match in the women’s 50 kg category, had an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Khan. This interaction has sent the internet buzzing with speculation—could there be a ‘Dangal 2’ on the horizon?
Aamir Khan has always been vocal about his admiration for sports and sports personalities. He famously portrayed Mahavir Singh Phogat in the blockbuster film ‘Dangal,’ which chronicled the life of Mahavir Phogat and his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The movie was an enormous success and highlighted the struggles and triumphs of these athletes. Vinesh Phogat, who is the niece of Mahavir Phogat, has been in the limelight ever since.
The video call between Khan and Vinesh Phogat quickly made the rounds on social media, sparking conversations and curiosity. Many netizens speculated whether this could be a sign of a sequel to ‘Dangal,’ possibly featuring the life and struggles of Vinesh Phogat.
Vinesh Phogat returned to India with her head held high, despite facing a significant setback in the Paris Olympics. She clinched victory in the semifinals but was disqualified from the final for being overweight by a mere 100 grams in the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling category. This incident, although disheartening, did not diminish the recognition of her efforts and strengths.
On the video call, Aamir Khan didn’t hold back his admiration. He congratulated Vinesh for her exceptional performance in the semifinals of the Paris Olympics 2024 and commended her for her resilience and courage. “Your fight in the semifinals was a testament to your indomitable spirit and champion mentality,” Khan told her. This interaction between the two figures of different arenas—entertainment and sports—is being celebrated by fans and followers alike.
A fan page shared photos of the video call on Instagram and wrote, “Good touch from Aamir Khan. Over a video call, he congratulated Vinesh Phogat for her stupendous fight in Paris. Reminded her that her three fights were proof of her champion mentality.
. Former wrestler Kripa Shankar (also in the pic), who was mentor for the actors of Dangal.”
Meanwhile, Vinesh Phogat’s return to India was marked by an emotional and warm celebration. She was honored with a gold medal by the Sarvkhap Panchayat in Rohtak, an event that stood as a testament to the community’s unwavering support. Addressing the gathering, Vinesh spoke passionately about her journey and future aspirations. “My fight has not ended, it has rather just begun. The fight for our daughters’ honor has just started. We said the same thing during our sit-in,” she said, reflecting on her advocacy for women’s rights and honor.
Phogat’s activism extends beyond her wrestling achievements. She was an active participant in last year’s agitation against the Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, who faced allegations of sexual harassment. This movement, predominantly led by wrestlers from Haryana, underscored the need for reform and safety within sports organizations.
Vinesh Phogat expressed a mix of emotions upon her return. “When I could not play in Paris, I thought I was very unfortunate but after returning to India and experiencing all the love and support here, I feel that I am very fortunate,” she remarked, moved by the overwhelming support she received from the community.
The wrestler also stressed the importance of community support for women athletes, especially during challenging times. “Such a gesture will also encourage other women sportspersons that their communities are there to support them even in their lean phase,” she noted. Her heartfelt gratitude was palpable as she added, “I will forever be indebted for this honor which is above any medal.”
As visuals of the interaction between Aamir Khan and Vinesh Phogat continue to captivate social media, fans are left in anticipation. Will there be a ‘Dangal 2’? While there is no official confirmation, the warmth and mutual respect between the superstar and the wrestler have certainly reignited discussions and hopes among enthusiasts.
For now, Vinesh Phogat remains focused on her journey, buoyed by the inspiring words from Aamir Khan and the support of her community.
