Fatima Sana Shaikh: From Child Artist in Ishq to Bollywood Star

When we talk about Dangal, it’s impossible not to mention Fatima Sana Shaikh and her powerful portrayal of wrestler Geeta Phogat. While many believe that Dangal was her first-ever appearance with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, the truth is something else — and it's surprising!

In a recent interview, Fatima made a fascinating revelation that stunned her fans and even left comedian Bharti Singh speechless. Let’s dive into this nostalgic throwback and explore the journey of Fatima Sana Shaikh, from being a child artist to becoming one of Bollywood’s rising stars.

The Big Revelation: Fatima Sana Was in Ishq with Aamir Khan!

During a candid chat on Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s podcast, Fatima shared a heartwarming childhood memory. She disclosed that her first film with Aamir Khan wasn’t Dangal but the 1997 romantic comedy Ishq, which also starred Kajol, Ajay Devgn, and Juhi Chawla.

Fatima recalled a specific scene where Kajol is seen holding a small girl in her arms while Aamir Khan acts dramatically in front of her. “That little girl was me!” she laughed, adding, “Haan voh main hoon.”

This surprising detail had gone unnoticed for decades until Fatima herself pointed it out. Soon after, that old scene from Ishq began circulating on social media, showing young Fatima Sana Shaikh in a pink dress in Kajol’s arms — a moment of pure nostalgia for Bollywood fans.

Fatima Sana’s Early Career as a Child Artist

While many came to know her after Dangal, Fatima Sana Shaikh had already built a strong foundation as a child actor. She appeared in several Bollywood films before making her adult debut. Some of her early works include:

Chachi 420 (1997) – alongside Kamal Haasan and Tabu
Bade Dilwala (1999)
One 2 Ka 4 (2001) – starring Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla

These early roles gave her a strong start in the industry, and her return to the big screen years later was nothing short of impressive.

Her Breakthrough with Dangal (2016)

In 2016, Fatima Sana finally made her mark as an adult actor with Dangal, where she played the older version of Indian wrestler Geeta Phogat. Her performance received immense praise for its authenticity, dedication, and emotional strength.

The film not only became one of the highest-grossing Indian movies of all time but also launched Fatima’s career as a serious performer in Bollywood. Her on-screen chemistry with Aamir Khan — who played Mahavir Singh Phogat — was one of the film’s highlights.

Reuniting With Aamir Khan Again in Thugs of Hindostan

After Dangal, Fatima was cast again alongside Aamir Khan in the big-budget film Thugs of Hindostan. The movie, which also starred Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif, was one of the most anticipated films of 2018. Unfortunately, despite the massive hype, the film failed to impress audiences and flopped at the box office.

Still, Fatima's action-packed role was appreciated, and it further established her image as a strong female lead capable of taking on physical and intense roles.

What’s Next for Fatima Sana Shaikh?

The actress isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Fatima Sana currently has several exciting projects lined up for release:

Metro… In Dino

Directed by Anurag Basu, this film is a spiritual successor to Life in a Metro and boasts a strong ensemble cast. Fatima’s performance is expected to be another standout.

Ul Jalool Ishq

Featuring veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Varma, this project promises to be a quirky romantic drama that explores unconventional love stories.

Aap Jaisa Koi

Starring opposite R Madhavan, this film is expected to explore a unique romantic storyline with strong emotional undertones.

A Look at Fatima Sana’s Acting Style and Popularity

What makes Fatima Sana Shaikh different is her dedication to every role she takes on. Whether it’s transforming her body for Dangal, performing stunts in Thugs of Hindostan, or diving deep into emotional roles, Fatima brings authenticity and effort to the screen.

Her relatable personality, natural acting, and ability to connect with the audience have helped her become one of the most promising actresses of her generation.

A Bollywood Journey Worth Celebrating

From a tiny blink-and-miss role in Ishq to starring in some of Bollywood’s biggest films, Fatima Sana Shaikh's journey is both inspiring and fascinating. She may have started as a child artist, but today she stands tall as a leading lady who continues to surprise and impress us with her talent.

As she gears up for more powerful performances in upcoming films, fans can only look forward to more versatile roles and memorable moments from this talented actress.

Final Thoughts

Fatima Sana may have taken years to get the recognition she deserves, but her journey shows that persistence, talent, and passion always shine through. And now that we know her journey started way back in 1997 with Ishq, it only adds another layer of admiration to her story.

So the next time you watch Ishq, keep an eye out for the adorable girl in the pink dress you’ll be watching the early spark of a future star.