Suhani Bhatnagar, who charmed us with her performance as young Babita Phogat in the 2016 blockbuster Dangal, passed away on February 17, 2024, at the age of 19. She was reportedly suffering from a rare autoimmune disorder, dermatomyositis, which caused severe complications after a leg fracture. She breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, after battling the illness for over two months.
Suhani’s untimely demise has shocked and saddened the film fraternity and her fans, who remember her as a talented and cheerful girl who had a bright future ahead of her. Her Dangal co-star Aamir Khan, who played her father Mahavir Singh Phogat in the film, expressed his grief and condolences on social media.
He wrote, “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. Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts. May you rest in peace.”
Suhani made her debut in Dangal, which was based on the true story of wrestler sisters Geeta and Babita Phogat, who won medals for India at the Commonwealth Games. Suhani played the younger version of Babita, while Zaira Wasim played the younger version of Geeta.
The film was a huge success, both critically and commercially, and won several awards, including four National Film Awards. Suhani received praise for her natural and confident acting, as well as her wrestling skills. She also appeared in a few commercials after the film.
Suhani, however, took a break from acting to focus on her studies. She was pursuing a degree in commerce from Delhi University and had topped her last semester. Her mother said that Suhani wanted to return to acting after her graduation and had many dreams to fulfill. She said, “She was performing very well in college, she even topped in the last semester. She was brilliant in everything and wanted to excel in whatever she wanted to do. Our daughter has made us very proud.”
Suhani’s parents also revealed the details of her medical condition, which was diagnosed around two months ago, when she started experiencing swelling in her hands. The swelling later spread to other parts of her body and affected her muscles and skin. She was admitted to AIIMS, where she underwent several tests and treatments.
However, her condition worsened due to a minor infection, which led to fluid accumulation in her body, including in her lungs. Despite ventilation, her oxygen levels dropped significantly and she could not survive.
Suhani’s parents thanked the doctors and nurses who tried their best to save her and also requested everyone to pray for her soul. They said, “We are grateful to the AIIMS staff who did everything they could to help her. We also thank everyone who has supported us in this difficult time. We request you all to pray for our Suhani, who left us too soon.”
Suhani’s last rites will take place on Saturday in Delhi. She is survived by her parents and a younger brother. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and fans, who will always remember her as the Dangal star who inspired many with her talent and spirit.
