Bollywood actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, who rose to fame after her debut with Aamir Khan’s Dangal, is an avid social media user. The actress recently took to social media to reveal that she was diagnosed with epilepsy during the prep for the 2016 movie. For the unversed, epilepsy is a neurological disorder where the brain activity becomes abnormal and causes seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.
Since November is known as Epilepsy Awareness Month, the 30-year-old actress opened up about her battle with the disorder. She recently hosted an Ask Me Anything session on her Instagram stories, where she spoke at length about her diagnosis and answered many questions about the illness. Announcing the AMA on her social media platform, Fatima wrote, "It's epilepsy month. Share your story, struggle, challenges Or just ask."
When one fan questioned when she found out about her diagnosis, she revealed that it was during the prep for Dangal. Even though she was in denial for five years, she has now learned to embrace it and work around it. She wrote, "(I) was diagnosed when I was training for 'Dangal'. I got an episode and woke up straight at the hospital... (I) was in denial first (for five years). And now, I have learnt to embrace it, and work and live around it."
She continued by saying that while she has some odd and tough days that slow her down, she can do everything and it has not affected her passion. She added, "I mean I have to go a bit slow. But I can do everything. There are some odd and tough days. That slows me down. But I have been fortunate enough to work with people I have been dying to work with. And this has not affected my passion and neither have I ever compromised on any effort to do my best. In fact, it pushes and drives me to work harder."
The actress then went on to share that she is fortunate enough to work with directors who know about her condition. They have been very supportive and understanding, and they are aware of the ‘challenges they might face on the days I get an episode.’
On the work front, Fatima was last seen in Anil Kapoor and Harsh Varrdhan Kapoor starrer Thar. She will be seen in Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming movie, Sam Bahadur, alongside Vicky Kaushal and Sanya Malhotra. The actress will be seen playing the role of India’s late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
Image Source: Instagram