Fatima Sana Shaikh, best known for her breakout role as wrestler Geeta Phogat in the 2016 blockbuster Dangal, recently revealed that she was diagnosed with epilepsy during the film’s production. Despite the physical and emotional demands of the film, which required intense training and dedication from the cast, Fatima navigated an even more personal battle on set.
In an interview with Filmfare, Fatima shared that her diagnosis came as a shock, and she initially resisted acknowledging her condition. “At first, I was in denial and wasn’t willing to accept that I had a neurological disorder,” she admitted, noting her reluctance to take prescribed medication. “I was scared I might have an episode in front of people,” she said, adding that epilepsy is often stigmatised in society.
The Dhak Dhak actress went on to describe her struggle with weekly seizures, explaining that the anxiety preceding each episode was intense. Flashing lights, which can trigger seizures, made public appearances a source of stress. Over time, she began avoiding events and screenings. Recognizing the importance of addressing her needs, she eventually informed the paparazzi about her condition. “They were considerate and stopped using flashlights around me,” Fatima shared, expressing gratitude to the media. “Sometimes, my colleagues wouldn’t understand, but the paparazzi did.”
Fatima acknowledged that her journey with epilepsy hasn’t been easy, particularly on her film sets. “There are days when I simply can’t shoot,” she said, mentioning that seizures and severe migraines occasionally force her to cancel shoots. Reflecting on her health management, Fatima admitted that her inconsistent use of medication often exacerbated her condition. “I didn’t want to take medicines; I was fighting not just with people, but also with the medication itself. I thought I didn’t need them to live a normal life.”
Through these challenges, Fatima has become a voice for awareness around epilepsy, speaking openly about the physical and emotional impact of the disorder. Her candidness sheds light on the realities faced by individuals with epilepsy, especially those navigating high-pressure careers.
Work-Front
On the professional front, Fatima is set to return to the big screen with upcoming films Metro In Dino and Ul Jalool Ishq. As she continues to take on complex roles, she remains an inspiring figure, showing resilience both in her work and in her journey with epilepsy.