20 February,2024 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Babita Phogat Pic/Babita Phogat`s X
Actor Suhani Bhatnagar, who essayed the role of young Babita Phogat in the sports drama biopic 'Dangal', passed away at the age of 19 on February 16. The Indian wrestler reached Suhani's residence in Faridabad to console her family. She shared pictures of the same on her X account. She wrote, "After the death of Suhani Bhatnagar, who played my childhood role in the film Dangal, today I reached her Faridabad residence and paid my tribute to her and consoled the family members and expressed my condolences. Om Shanti."
The first picture shows Babita standing in front of Suhani's photo frame with folded hands. The second one shows the wrestler holding Suhani's mother's hand and consoling her.
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Earlier, Babita had shared a note upon learning about Suhani's demise and wrote, "It is very sad that Suhani Bhatnagar, who played my childhood role in the film Dangal, has passed away at such a young age. I can't believe it, shocked by this news!! May God give peace to the departed soul at his feet and may the entire family and fans have the courage to bear this loss in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."
Suhani's family revealed that she had been suffering from dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory disease, which became the cause of her death. She was undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.
Earlier, taking to X (formerly Twitter) Aamir Khan Productions mourned the demise of the actor and penned a heartfelt note. They 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."
'Dangal' was released in the year 2016. Starring actor Aamir Khan in the lead role, the film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, was declared a blockbuster hit and is one of the highest-grossing Indian films. Sanya Malhotra essayed the older Babita Phogat.
Sanya also took to her social media and wrote, "I can't believe it's real. There was no one quite like our Suhani. She was so special, so talented, and way too young to have left us so soon. Rest in peace, Chotu. My deepest condolences to Pooja, Puneet, and the entire family."
Zaira Wasim stepped into the role of the child version of Geeta Phogat, while Fatima Sana Shaikh played the role of elder Geeta Phogat.
(With inputs from ANI)