Actress Suhani Bhatnagar, known for her portrayal of young Babita Kumari in Aamir Khan’s 2016 sports drama Dangal, has passed away at the age of 19, confirmed a condolence note shared by Aamir Khan Productions on Saturday.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about our Suhani passing away. Our heartfelt condolences to her mother Poojaji, and the entire family,” the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the production company wrote.
“Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts... May you rest in peace,” added the makers of the blockbuster, acknowledging the instrumental role played by the actress in Dangal.
Their post read, “Such a talented young girl, such a team player, Dangal would have been incomplete without Suhani.”
Nineteen-year-old Suhani was reportedly undergoing treatment at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi, following a reaction caused by medication. According to media reports, she had been suffering from fluid accumulation in her body for quite some time.
Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, Dangal recounts the challenges faced by Geeta Phogat (Fatima Sana Shaikh) and Babita Kumari (Sanya Malhotra) in their journey to become India's first world-class female wrestlers. In the biopic, Aamir portrayed Geeta and Babita’s father, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former amateur wrestler and later their coach.
Dangal was released theatrically on December 23, 2016.