Indus Valley Times

MUMBAI,FEB 17 :Suhani Bhatnagar, who played young Babita Kumari Phogat in Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’, died on February 16 in Delhi. She was 19. The actor reportedly developed a side effect from medication after suffering a fracture in the leg. Her death was confirmed by Aamir Khan’s production house.

A note posted by them on Instagram can be read, “We are deeply saddened to hear about our Suhani passing away. Our heartfelt condolences to her mother Poojaji, and the entire family. Such a talented young girl, such a team player, Dangal would have been incomplete without Suhani.” The note ended with, “Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts May you rest in peace (sic).”

The director of ‘Dangal’, Nitesh Tiwari, said, “Suhani’s passing away is absolutely shocking and heartbreaking. She was such a happy soul, so full of life. My deepest condolences to her family.”

Suhani’s mortal remains were cremated on February 17. Her father, Puneet Bhatnagar, told the media that the actor suffered from a rare disease called dermatomyositis (an inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and skin rash). She was given steroids, the only cure for her condition, which weakened her immunity. As a result, she had an infection, her lungs weakened and were filled with water, making it difficult for her to breathe. She died on Friday.

Suhani became a household name after playing young Babita Kumari Phogat in the 2016 film, ‘Dangal’. She shared screen space with Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, and Zaira Wasim. She was also a part of a few commercials.

While her co-star Zaira publicly announced her decision to quit the film industry in June 2019, Suhani too, took a break from acting to focus on her studies. She hasn’t been active on social media either. Her last post was in November 2021.

-PTI