Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Battling Epilepsy During Dangal Shoot

Despite the challenges of a neurological disorder, the actress persevered in her career, receiving support from the media and learning to navigate life with epilepsy.

Fatima Sana Shaikh became a household name with her portrayal of wrestler Geeta Phogat in the Aamir Khan-led biographical sports drama Dangal. The cast’s dedication to their roles was evident, but few knew of the personal struggles Fatima faced behind the scenes. During filming, she was diagnosed with epilepsy—a revelation she shared in a recent interview with Filmfare.

Reflecting on her diagnosis, Fatima revealed that she initially found it difficult to accept and resisted taking medication. “I was scared I might have an episode in front of people,” she shared, adding that the stigma around epilepsy made the experience even more challenging. Her condition led to frequent seizures, sometimes occurring once or twice a week, which, combined with the anxiety of public events, felt overwhelming.

She noted that flashing lights, a known trigger for epilepsy, were particularly concerning, so she eventually stopped attending events and screenings. In time, she informed the paparazzi of her condition, who showed understanding by avoiding flash photography in her presence. “Sometimes, my colleagues wouldn’t understand, but the paparazzi did,” she expressed, grateful for their consideration.

Fatima also opened up about the impact of epilepsy on her work. “There are days when I simply can’t shoot,” she said, explaining that her episodes occasionally disrupt her schedule, sometimes leading to shoot cancellations. Severe migraines, a symptom she often experiences, have also made it impossible to work. Admitting she initially struggled with the idea of taking medication, she shared that her reluctance made her condition more unpredictable. “I was fighting not just with people, but with the medication itself. I thought I didn’t need them to live a normal life,” she admitted candidly.

On the professional front, Fatima will soon appear in Metro In Dino and the upcoming Ul Jalool Ishq, continuing to push forward in her career while managing her condition.