EatingDisorder – Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh has candidly spoken about the lesser-known challenges she faced after undergoing a major physical transformation for the film Dangal, revealing a difficult chapter marked by disordered eating and emotional distress.
The actor shared her experience during a recent appearance on the podcast Chapter 2 with Rhea Chakraborty, where she reflected on how intense preparation for the film gradually gave way to unhealthy habits once the cameras stopped rolling.
For her role in the 2016 sports drama Dangal, Fatima adopted a disciplined routine similar to that of a professional athlete. The film, headlined by Aamir Khan, required its cast to portray wrestlers with convincing physicality. Fatima trained for nearly three hours daily and maintained additional workout sessions to meet the demands of the role.
To gain weight as required by the script, she significantly increased her calorie intake, consuming between 2,500 and 3,000 calories each day. She described herself as highly goal-driven, willing to follow strict regimens to achieve the desired result. During filming, her days were structured around exercise, diet, and performance.
However, once production ended, that structured routine disappeared.
After the film wrapped, Fatima said she stopped training at the same intensity but continued eating as she had during preparation. What began as a shift in routine gradually escalated into a deeper struggle. She found herself eating excessively, sometimes for hours at a stretch, followed by periods of restriction fueled by guilt.
She acknowledged that her relationship with food became emotionally driven rather than physically necessary. The pattern, she explained, was rooted in insecurity and an overwhelming need for control. Instead of nourishment, food became tied to comfort and self-judgment.
The actor described herself as someone prone to extremes. Without balance, she said, she would either overindulge or severely restrict herself. This cycle took both a mental and physical toll.
In one of the most revealing parts of the conversation, Fatima shared that she struggled with bulimia for nearly a year. After episodes of binge eating, she would induce vomiting in an attempt to offset calorie intake. The behavior, she admitted, stemmed from a rigid understanding of dieting and an intense fear of weight gain.
Although she appeared physically fit in public, she said the emotional strain was significant. Acid reflux and internal discomfort were accompanied by persistent feelings of shame and lack of control. Outwardly, she continued to maintain her professional commitments, but internally, she felt trapped in a cycle she struggled to break.
Her account highlights a broader issue in the entertainment industry, where physical appearance is often scrutinized and mental health challenges may remain hidden behind polished images.
Fatima also spoke about the pressure to maintain a certain body image, especially in an era dominated by social media. She described having a complicated relationship with her own reflection, driven in part by industry expectations and online comparisons.
In a space where fitness and beauty standards are constantly displayed and measured, maintaining an ideal appearance can become overwhelming. She admitted that thoughts about food still occupy her mind at times. The difference now, she said, lies in awareness and choice. Occasional indulgence no longer leads to the same harsh self-criticism.
The turning point came gradually. According to Fatima, close friends noticed the pattern and addressed it with care rather than confrontation. Their support encouraged her to adopt a more balanced approach to eating and fitness.
She began focusing on nourishment rather than restriction, incorporating balanced meals and smoothies into her routine. Instead of associating food with punishment, she learned to view it as sustenance.
Today, she continues to prioritize fitness, but with a renewed emphasis on sustainability rather than extremes. The objective is no longer to meet an image-driven standard but to maintain overall well-being.
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s account sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of physical transformation in cinema. While dramatic body changes are celebrated, the emotional and psychological aftermath is rarely discussed.
Her experience underscores an important reality: visible fitness does not always reflect internal health. Mental health struggles, including eating disorders, can exist beneath a seemingly strong exterior.
By speaking openly, Fatima contributes to a broader conversation about mental health in Bollywood and beyond. Her journey serves as a reminder that true strength lies not only in physical endurance but also in confronting personal challenges and seeking balance.
