The Indian film industry and the nation at large are mourning the untimely demise of Suhani Bhatnagar, who played the role of young Babita Phogat in the blockbuster movie Dangal. The 19-year-old actress succumbed to a fatal drug reaction on Saturday, February 17, 2024, after battling with fluid retention in her body for several months.
Suhani’s journey to fame began with her acting debut in Dangal, which was released in 2016. The movie, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, was based on the true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita, who defied social norms and patriarchal barriers to pursue their passion for wrestling and win medals for India at the Commonwealth Games. Suhani portrayed the younger version of Babita, while Zaira Wasim played the younger version of Geeta. The movie also starred Aamir Khan as Mahavir, Sakshi Tanwar as his wife, and Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra as the adult versions of Geeta and Babita.
Suhani’s performance in Dangal was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. She impressed everyone with her natural talent, charisma, and dedication to the role. She underwent rigorous training and physical transformation to fit into the character of a wrestler. She also learned the Haryanvi dialect and culture to add authenticity to her portrayal. She received several awards and nominations for her role, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, and the Zee Cine Award for Best Child Artist.
Suhani was not only a talented actor, but also a bright and cheerful person, who had a keen interest in sports and music. She was a student of Delhi Public School in Faridabad and had scored well in her board exams. She was also active on social media and had a large fan following on Instagram, where she often posted pictures and videos of her hobbies and activities. She had also appeared in some television commercials before and after Dangal, showcasing her versatility and charm.
However, fate had other plans for Suhani, who met with a tragic accident a few months ago. She had injured her leg and was prescribed some medication for the treatment. Unfortunately, the medication had a severe adverse effect on her health and caused fluid accumulation in her body, which affected her vital organs. She was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where she was undergoing treatment for a long time. Despite the best efforts of the doctors, her condition did not improve and she breathed her last on Saturday morning.
Suhani’s death has left a huge void in the hearts of many, who remembered her for her brilliant performance in Dangal and her lively personality. Her co-stars and colleagues from the film industry expressed their grief and condolences on social media and paid their respects and tributes to the departed soul. They recalled her as a bright, cheerful, and talented person, who had a promising future ahead of her. They also extended their support and sympathy to Suhani’s family and friends in this difficult time.
Suhani’s funeral was held at the Ajronda crematorium in Sector 15, Faridabad, on Saturday evening. A large number of people, including her relatives, friends, and fans, attended the ceremony to bid her a final farewell. Suhani’s death has left a deep impact on the Indian cinema and the society, who will always remember her as the young Babita Phogat from Dangal, who inspired millions of girls to follow their dreams.
Summary
Suhani Bhatnagar, renowned for her role as young Babita Phogat in “Dangal,” tragically passed away due to a fatal drug reaction at just 19 years old. Her portrayal in the film earned widespread acclaim for its authenticity and dedication. Suhani’s untimely demise leaves a significant void in Indian cinema, as she was not only a talented actor but also a bright and promising individual cherished by many. Her legacy as the spirited young wrestler will continue to inspire millions to pursue their dreams relentlessly.