Fatima Sana Shaikh: Navigating Post-‘Dangal’ Pressures to Embrace a Diverse Cinematic Journey
From grappling with self-doubt after her breakout role to embracing varied projects, Fatima Sana Shaikh’s evolution in Indian cinema showcases resilience and versatility.
Fatima Sana Shaikh became a household name with her portrayal of wrestler Geeta Phogat in the 2016 blockbuster ‘Dangal’. The film’s monumental success catapulted her into the limelight, but with it came an overwhelming pressure to meet heightened expectations. Reflecting on that period, Fatima candidly shared that the acclaim brought about significant self-doubt and a reluctance to shoulder solo projects, fearing potential audience reactions if they didn’t succeed.
Her apprehensions were further compounded after the release of ‘Thugs of Hindostan’ in 2018, a film that didn’t fare as well as anticipated. This phase led her to question her abilities, approaching subsequent projects with trepidation. However, the tide began to turn with Anurag Basu’s ‘Ludo’ in 2020. Fatima credits this film for altering her perspective, allowing her to embrace failures and recognize the importance of showing up for herself and performing her duties with conviction.
Embracing this newfound confidence, Fatima ventured into diverse roles. In 2023, she starred in ‘Dhak Dhak’, portraying Shashi “Sky” Kumar Yadav, and took on the role of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in ‘Sam Bahadur’. Looking ahead, she is set to feature in Anurag Basu’s ‘Metro… In Dino’, an anthology of contemporary love stories, scheduled for release on December 5, 2025.
Additionally, she will be seen in ‘Ul Jalool Ishq’ alongside Vijay Varma and Naseeruddin Shah, and ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ with R. Madhavan, where she portrays Madhu Bose.
Fatima’s journey underscores the challenges actors often face after a significant breakthrough. Her ability to confront insecurities, adapt, and diversify her roles highlights her resilience and commitment to her craft. As she continues to evolve in the industry, audiences eagerly anticipate the depth and versatility she brings to her upcoming projects.
Meanwhile, ‘Dangal’ remains a seminal sports drama that chronicles the inspiring journey of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler determined to secure a gold medal for India by training his daughters for the Commonwealth Games. Fatima’s compelling portrayal of Geeta Phogat, alongside Aamir Khan’s transformation into the resolute Mahavir, contributed to the film’s critical and commercial success. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, ‘Dangal’ also featured stellar performances from Sanya Malhotra, Aparshakti Khurana, Suhani Bhatnagar, and Zaira Wasim. Beyond the wrestling arena, the film delved into themes of perseverance, ambition, and challenging societal norms, solidifying its place as one of Indian cinema’s most impactful narratives.
