Indian actress, Suhani Bhatnagar, notable for portraying young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan starrer Dangal, passed away, according to Indian media outlets. Bhatnagar was 19 years old at the time of her death.
Multiple media sources suggest that Bhatnagar’s death resulted in fluid accumulation in her body due to complications following an earlier leg fracture. Bhatnagar suffered from a fatal reaction to medicines. The Dangal star had been seeking medical treatment at Delhi’s AIIMS hospital.
Her cremation is scheduled to take place at the Ajronda crematorium in Sector-15, Faridabad, as reported by Indian media portals.
In response to questions about Bhatnagar’s demise with Indian reporters, the star’s father revealed that the starlet’s health had been compromising for the past “two months when she began experiencing unusual swelling in her hands.”
“Despite seeking medical attention, her illness remained unidentified until her admission to AIIMS approximately 11 days before her passing,” the actress’s father added.
India media outlets also reported that Bhatnagar’s tests revealed her battle with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disorder, which requires treatment with steroids. The steroids, however, weakened Bhatnagar’s immune system resulting in the 19-year-old star contracting an infection in the hospital, and later dying.
“Her lungs weakened, causing fluid buildup and making breathing difficult. On the evening of February 16, Suhani died,” her father said, as reported by The Times of India.
Suhani’s mother also reminisced her daughter’s success and revealed that the child star was “selected from a pool of 25,000 children for the role of young Babita.”
“She was camera-friendly from a young age. Currently, she was pursuing a course in Mass Communication and Journalism and was in her second year. She wanted to complete her studies and then work in films,” Bhatnagar’s mother said, according to The Times of India.
Condolences starting pouring in after Bhatnagar’s death was confirmed on social media platforms. Taking to platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Bhatnagar’s co-star and Dangal actor Aamir Khan offered condolences through his team and remembered the young star in wholesome words.
“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,” it furthered.
“Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts. May you rest in peace,” the post concluded.
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…
— Aamir Khan Productions (@AKPPL_Official) February 17, 2024
Pakistani actress, Zhalay Sarhadi, also expressed her shock and sadness over Bhatnagar’s demise, stating, “Rip so sad” with a broken heart emoji and added, “she was just a child.”
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Mawra Hocane, another Pakistani star, expressed her sorrow over Bhatnagar’s untimely demise. Hocane said, “This is so sad… rest in peace little flower” and added a flower emoji for the late star.
“We were all such huge huge fans,” added the Sanam Teri Kasam actress. “Praying for u,” Hocane concluded.
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