Suhani Bhatnagar, who played the childhood character of Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan’s cult classic film ‘Dangal’, died on Saturday at the age of 19. Suhani lived in Sector 17, Faridabad and her last rites were performed at Ajraunda cremation ground in Sector 15, in the same area. Suhani passed away at AIIMS, Delhi. It has been reported that two months ago, Suhani’s hands had become swollen and red rashes had started appearing on her body. Her condition called Dermatomyositis worsened and she was hospitalized for a long time before succumbing to it.
Aamir Khan Was Not Informed about Suhani’s Death
Now Suhani’s mother revealed that she was very close to Aamir Khan, but she did not inform Aamir Khan about Suhani’s illness. Pooja Bhatnagar said in a recent interview “Aamir sir has always been in touch with her. He is a good person. We never shared this with him. We didn’t actually inform anyone. We were very troubled by this (bereavement). Surely if we had messaged Aamir Khan he would have been there for us immediately. In fact, he had even invited us during his daughter’s (Ira Khan) wedding. He personally invited us to be a part of his big day. However, due to Suhani’s health we could not be a part of the wedding.”
Who was Suhani Bhatnagar and what was her Biodata?
Pooja Bhatnagar added that her daughter had done the film ‘Dangal’ when she was just 10 years old. After this, people started addressing her as the ‘Dangal’ Girl. She was fond of modeling and acting from the beginning. After this, she got the childhood role of Babita Phogat in the film Dangal auditioning with almost a thousand other little girls. Suhani was studying her second year in Mass Communication at Manav Rachna Shikshan Sansthan when dermatomyositis set in. She dreamed that she would pursue her acting career after her studies, but unfortunately could not be fulfilled. The entire family is extremely saddened by Suhani’s demise, but they are proud that at a young age their daughter has brought glory not only to themselves but also to Faridabad.
Suhana’s father Puneet Bhatnagar told news persons that two months ago, red spots had formed on his daughter’s hands. They thought that their daughter was suffering from an allergy, after which they got treatment in many big hospitals in Faridabad, but the doctors of none of the hospitals could detect the disease. When her condition started worsening, his family admitted her to AIIMS Hospital in Delhi for treatment, but even there her Suhana’s condition did not improve and slowly her body started filling with water. Due to this, her lungs got damaged and the nineteen-year-old said goodbye to this world.
‘Dangal’ Team Tributes to Suhani Bhatnagar
Aamir Khan’s production house had also expressed grief over Suhani’s death on X writing 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 our hearts. May you rest in peace.
Actress Sanya Malhotra who played a major role in ‘Dangal’ took to Instagram and shared her shock “I can’t believe it’s real. There was no one quite like our Suhani. She was so special, so talented, and way too young to have left us so soon. Rest in peace Chotu (kid). My deepest condolences to Pooja, Puneet and the entire family.”
What is Dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease characterized by muscle weakness and skin rash. Here are some key points about this condition:
- Symptoms:
- Distinctive Rash: Dermatomyositis often presents with a distinctive rash on the face, eyelids, and areas around the nails, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back.
- Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness is also evident.
- Causes and Risk Factors:
- The exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but it is associated with autoimmune diseases.
- It is more common in adults aged 40-60 years, and women are more susceptible than men.
- Complications:
- If left untreated, dermatomyositis can lead to:
- Difficulty Swallowing: When the muscles in the esophagus are affected.
- Aspiration Pneumonia: Due to aspirating foods and liquids into the lungs.
- Breathing Problems: Occur when the chest muscles are affected.
- Calcium Deposits (Calcinosis): Deposits of calcium in muscles, skin, and connective tissues.
- Diagnosis:
- Diagnosis involves several tests:
- Blood Analysis: Detects elevated muscle enzymes and autoantibodies associated with dermatomyositis.
- Chest X-ray: Checks for lung damage.
- Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles.
- MRI (Imágenes por Resonancia Magnética): Assesses inflammation over a large area of muscle.
- Skin or Muscle Biopsy: Helps confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment:
- There is no known cure for dermatomyositis, but treatment can improve symptoms.
- Medications:
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) control symptoms but have side effects.
- Corticosteroid-sparing agents (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate) reduce corticosteroid dose and side effects.
- Mycophenolate mofetil may be used if the lungs are involved.
- Rituximab is an option if initial therapies don’t work.
- Antimalarial medications (e.g., hydroxychloroquine) for persistent rash.
- Self-Care: Sunscreen and protective clothing are essential for managing the rash.
Remember its most important to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and management on any health conditions including dermatomyositis.