On Friday, tragedy struck as Suhani Bhatnagar, best known for her portrayal of young Babita Phogat in the acclaimed 2016 film “Dangal,” passed away at the young age of 19. The heartbreaking news sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from celebrities like Sanya Malhotra, Zara Wasim and Yami Gautam.
Now, Suhani’s mother Pooja Bhatnagar has opened up about the unfortunate and untimely death of her daughter.
Suhani Bhatnagar’s Mother Breaks Silence On Her Death
Pooja Bhatnagar reminisced about how Suhani’s role in “Dangal” had garnered her widespread recognition, with people often recognizing her as the proud parent of the talented young actress. Suhani’s portrayal of young Babita Phogat had left a lasting impression on audiences, earning her a special place in their hearts. Now, as the world mourns her untimely departure, Pooja Bhatnagar fondly remembers her daughter’s legacy and the impact she left on those around her. She said:
“Har parent proud feel karta hai ki woh apne bache ke naam se jana jata hai. Hamari kya identity thi? Hume jo recognition mila hai woh to Suhani ki wajah se hi mila hai, ki ye ‘Dangal girl ke parents hain’, jahan bhi jana ho uski recognition hoti thi, har ek ko apna bacha bahut acha lagta hai par hamara bacha hume bahut proud feel kara ke gaya hai.”
(Which roughly translates to: “Every parent feels proud of their child. We were recognised everywhere as ‘Dangal girl’ Suhani’s parents. Our daughter made us very proud before she left us.“)
Watch the video:
#WATCH | Faridabad, Haryana: On ‘Dangal’ child star Suhani Bhatnagar’s death, her parents say, “…Our recognition was because of Suhani… Aamir Khan was always supportive of her but we had shared nothing about her disease with anyone including him (Aamir Khan)… She was a… pic.twitter.com/PQowP7UFv4
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2024
In a poignant revelation, Suhani Bhatnagar’s mother, Pooja Bhatnagar, shared that Aamir Khan had extended a heartfelt invitation to Suhani and her family for his daughter Ira Khan’s wedding in January 2024. Unfortunately, due to Suhani’s health condition, they had to regretfully decline the invitation. It was a significant gesture considering Suhani’s memorable portrayal of young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan’s critically acclaimed 2016 film “Dangal.”
“Aamir sir toh bohot hamare touch mein rahe hai. He is a nice person. Wo hamesha iske (Suhani) ke saath touch mein rahe hai. Humne unko bataya nahi tha, kyunki hum khud hi itne zyada pareshaan chal rahe the, toh humne kisi ko inform nahi kiya, but definitely agar ek message bhi jayega unko toh immediately unka response aata hai aur wo humein personally call karte hai. To wo Suhani ke saath bonded rahe hai shuru se. Abhi unki daughter ki bhi marriage huyi hai, humein invte aaya tha proper, phone bhi aaya tha ki aapko aana hai.”
(Which roughly translates to: “Aamir Khan has always been in touch with her (Suhani). We had not informed him about her till now because we have been so tensed ourselves. Whenever he have sent him any message, he has promptly responded and called us personally. He had a close bond with Suhani from the start. Even when his daughter (Ira Khan) got married recently, he had invited us all properly, we also got a call. But we could no go as Suhani had her fracture at that time. Therefore, we could not travel.”)
Suhani’s father verified that she passed away due to complications arising from dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory condition characterized by skin rash and muscle weakness. Additionally, she had endured a leg fracture a few weeks prior and had been hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, since February 7th.