In an atmosphere laden with loss and reminiscence, the family of the late Suhani Bhatnagar, known for her portrayal of young Babita Phogat in the critically acclaimed film ‘Dangal,’ has come forward with a poignant narrative of support and unspoken bonds. Suhani, who at the tender age of 19 succumbed to the complications of dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease, left behind not only a legacy of talent but also a story of connection with one of Bollywood’s stalwarts, Aamir Khan.
A recent interview with ANI has shed light on how Aamir Khan, the lead actor in ‘Dangal,’ served as a pillar of strength to Suhani and her family throughout the years, albeit unbeknownst to him the extent of Suhani’s medical struggles. Suhani’s mother spoke with raw openness about their decision to keep Aamir Khan in the dark about her daughter’s deteriorating health.
“Aamir sir was always more than just a co-star to Suhani. We didn’t inform him about her condition because our family was grappling with the reality of her illness,” she disclosed. Suhani’s mother is confident that had they reached out, Aamir would have been immediately attentive, citing his consistent check-ins as a testament to his genuine concern. She reminisced, “If we had sent him a text message, he would immediately respond and call us personally. He bonded well with Suhani from the onset.”
This bond extended to family milestones beyond the professional realm, as her mother recounted the actor’s personal invitation to Ira Khan and Nupur Sikhare’s wedding—a gesture illustrating the deep connections formed off-set. Unfortunately, due to Suhani’s recovery from a fracture, the family was unable to make the journey.
Further commenting on Suhani’s aspirations, her mother spoke of the hiatus Suhani had taken from acting, encouraged by her to focus on academics. Suhani was pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, a field where she displayed exceptional prowess, having topped her last semester, according to her proud mother. “She was brilliant, creative, and intelligent,” her mother warmly reflected.
Amidst the sorrow, tributes have poured in from various quarters of the film industry. Aamir Khan’s production house expressed their condolences with a heartfelt message on social media, recognizing Suhani’s pivotal role in the success of ‘Dangal.’ “We are deeply saddened to hear about our Suhani passing away…Dangal would have been incomplete without Suhani,” the post read.
Nitesh Tiwari, who directed the box-office hit, shared his bereavement. “Suhani’s passing away is absolutely shocking and heartbreaking.” Other co-stars, including Zaira Wasim, and producer Kiran Rao, also paid their respects, joining in the collective mourning of a life full of promise, tragically cut short.
Suhani’s departure has not only left a void in the hearts of her family but also in the community that had witnessed her burgeoning talent. The young actress battled her illness with the same quiet determination with which she approached her role in ‘Dangal.’
As the industry and fans alike come to terms with the loss, the narrative offered by Suhani’s mother reinforces the profound impact of off-screen relationships in the film fraternity. Aamir Khan, a figure often celebrated for his on-screen prowess, is once again acknowledged for his behind-the-scenes humanity, providing a flicker of solace in the family’s time of grief. Suhani Bhatnagar’s memory is enshrined not only through her work but also through the enduring connections that reveal the measure of support and kindness existent in the sphere of cinema.
