Fatima Sana Shaikh Birthday Special: The Health Challenges That Shaped The ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ Actor’s Journey

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Today, 11 January 2026, Fatima Sana Shaikh turns 34. For many, she will always be remembered as Geeta Phogat from 'Dangal, a performance built on discipline, emotional restraint, and quiet intensity. In the years since, she has steadily expanded her range, moving between films and streaming projects, from ensemble stories like 'Metro... In Dino' to romantic dramas such as 'Aap Jaisa Koi 'and 'Gustaakh Ishq', choosing roles that allow her to explore emotion without excess.

Photo Credit: Instagram@fatimasanashaikh

Alongside her work, Fatima has also spoken openly about personal health challenges that usually stay off-screen. She has never framed these conversations as confessions or statements just as parts of life she has had to navigate while continuing to work. That balance between showing up for her craft and being honest about what happens beyond it feels natural, and perhaps that's why it resonates.

Living With Epilepsy

Fatima has spoken openly about being diagnosed with epilepsy during the shooting of 'Dangal'. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurring seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Like many people who receive a diagnosis early in life, she struggled with fear and denial at first. She has admitted that she avoided regular medication because of stigma and misunderstanding around the condition. Over time, that inconsistency led to more frequent seizures.

One of the most serious incidents happened mid-air during a flight to the US via Dubai. Fatima suffered a major seizure onboard, needed emergency treatment, and was heavily sedated. The episode was severe enough to force her to cancel professional commitments.

She has also shared how flashing lights can trigger seizures, which means being careful at public events and shoots. Managing epilepsy, as she has said, is an ongoing process, one that affects work schedules, travel, and daily life.

Her Relationship With Food And Bulimia

Fatima has also talked about her experience with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder that involves cycles of binge eating and compensatory behaviour.

She traces the beginning of her struggle to the physical demands of 'Dangal'. Gaining weight for the role required consuming large amounts of food, and after the film ended, her relationship with eating shifted. Food became a comfort space. At times, she would eat continuously for hours.

She has described this phase as having a toxic relationship with food swinging between bingeing and extreme restriction. The pattern lasted for about one to two years.

It was her 'Dangal' co-star Sanya Malhotra who noticed early signs and encouraged her to acknowledge that something wasn't right. Fatima has since spoken about the emotional and psychological toll the disorder took, and the work it required to build a healthier mindset around food and self-worth.

Why These Conversations Are Important

Epilepsy and bulimia are very different conditions, but they share one thing in common: they are often misunderstood and rarely spoken about without judgement. Fatima hasn't shared her experiences to label herself or to be seen a certain way. She has simply talked about what happened, what it felt like, and what it took to manage it. That honesty matters especially in an industry where health struggles are often hidden behind perfection.

Moving Forward

At 34, Fatima Sana Shaikh continues to work, grow, and navigate life with the same challenges many people live with every day just more visibly. Her story isn't about overcoming everything or having it all figured out. It's about acknowledging reality, taking care as much as she can, and continuing in the best way possible.