Bollywood actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, best known for her breakout role as Geeta Phogat in Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Dangal, recently opened up about her struggles before entering the film industry’s limelight. Speaking at a women’s leadership conclave in Mumbai, the actress revealed that she nearly missed her audition for Dangal, the film that transformed her career, but sheer persistence and self-belief kept her moving forward.
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s Struggle Before Dangal
During her candid keynote session, Fatima shared:
“I was almost about to skip the audition. I didn’t have enough money to travel back and forth for repeated rounds. I was working odd photography and assistant jobs. But I kept hustling because deep inside I knew acting is what I am meant to do.”
Before Dangal, Fatima worked behind the camera as a photographer’s assistant to support herself. Despite debuting as a child actor in films like Chachi 420, her journey into lead roles was marked by rejections and financial constraints.
The Dangal Audition Journey
Fatima recalled that Dangal’s casting team had multiple shortlists and physical trials for the roles of Geeta and Babita Phogat. She said:
“I remember giving the first audition and then waiting for weeks with no callback. I had almost given up. When the call finally came, I didn’t even have money for auto fare to reach the wrestling trial venue. I borrowed ₹500 from a friend.”
| Phase | Process | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | Acting audition at Mukesh Chhabra Casting Studio | Shortlisted |
| Second Round | Wrestling and fitness trial | Selected among top 5 |
| Final Round | Acting workshop with Aamir Khan & Nitesh Tiwari | Cast as Geeta Phogat |
Her dedication to learning wrestling techniques for Dangal impressed the entire team. Director Nitesh Tiwari praised her discipline, saying she “trained like an athlete, not just an actor.”
Impact of Dangal on Fatima’s Career
| Film | Role | Box Office Collection (India) | Awards/Nominations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dangal (2016) | Geeta Phogat | ₹538 crore | Filmfare Best Debut Nominee |
| Thugs of Hindostan (2018) | Zafira | ₹151 crore | Action performance appreciated |
| Ludo (2020) | Pinky | ₹24 crore (OTT success) | Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Nominee |
| Sam Bahadur (2023) | Indira Gandhi | ₹89 crore | National Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actress |
| Metro…In Dino (2024) | Shruti | ₹56 crore | Performance praised |
Lessons From Fatima’s Journey
During the conclave, she inspired young artists by emphasising:
- Persistence despite rejection: She faced over 20 rejections before Dangal.
- Financial discipline and dignity in struggle: She worked multiple side jobs instead of depending solely on unstable acting gigs.
- Continuous skill upgradation: From photography to wrestling, she kept learning new crafts to stay employable.
- Mental health awareness: Fatima highlighted the importance of therapy in overcoming self-doubt.
Bollywood Industry Reactions
- Aamir Khan: “Fatima is a natural. Her discipline, humility, and sharp learning ability were the reasons we chose her as Geeta Phogat.”
- Sanya Malhotra (Babita Phogat in Dangal): “Fatty (Fatima) and I used to travel in shared rickshaws and buses for training every day. Those memories remain our strongest bond.”
- Nitesh Tiwari (Director): “She came with a childlike curiosity to learn, which makes her stand out.”
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Fans flooded social media with messages applauding her perseverance:
“Fatima’s journey is a reminder that hustling with dignity and patience eventually brings success. Truly inspiring.”
The hashtags #FatimaSanaShaikh, #DangalAudition, and #BollywoodInspiration trended on Twitter and Instagram throughout the day.
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s Upcoming Projects
The actress is set to appear in multiple diverse projects in 2025-26:
| Film/Series | Director/Platform | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulajh | Sudhanshu Saria | IFS Officer | Post-production |
| Untitled Netflix Series | Neeraj Ghaywan | Journalist | Filming |
| Dangal 2 (Speculated) | Nitesh Tiwari | Yet to be confirmed | Script development |
| Dhak Dhak 2 | Tarun Dudeja | Skydiver | Announcement expected |
Her transition from wrestling dramas to political thrillers and action series showcases her versatility and career strategy to avoid typecasting.
Women Empowerment Message
In her concluding address at the conclave, Fatima said:
“Many times people will say you’re not good enough. Let them say. Just focus on becoming so strong in your art that one day they can’t ignore you.”
She encouraged aspiring actors to respect small opportunities and treat each audition, workshop, or job as a step towards their larger dreams.
Economic Impact: Brand Endorsements
Fatima’s authentic, relatable persona and athletic image have attracted multiple brand endorsements:
| Brand | Category | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Puma India | Sportswear | Brand ambassador |
| Mamaearth | Skincare | Brand face |
| Tata Motors | Compact SUV | Endorser |
| Boat | Wearable electronics | Brand influencer |
Her brand value has doubled since 2022, with endorsements focusing on fitness, mental health, and women’s empowerment.
Conclusion
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s revelation about nearly missing her Dangal audition underscores the harsh realities and eventual triumphs of Bollywood’s relentless hustle culture. From facing financial struggles to becoming one of India’s most respected young performers, her journey remains an inspiration for anyone striving to overcome self-doubt, systemic barriers, and daily challenges to achieve their dreams.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on official statements, event coverage, and industry data. It does not constitute professional career advice or personal recommendations.
