Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal, which proved to be the most
successful film in Bollywood history, propelled debutantes Fatima Sana Shaikh
and Sanya Malhotra to overnight stardom. Their striking portrayal of Indian
wrestlers Geeta (Fatima) and Babita (Sanya) Phogat, was a complete knockout and
made the industry sit up and take notice.
Image Source: twitter/aamirkhan
While the Internet is replete with facts about how they
landed the role in the Nitesh Tiwari film and their off-screen camaraderie,
SpotboyE.com brings to you an interesting fact about the Dangal girls.
Did you know that Fatima and Sanya had auditioned for the
both Geeta and Babita’s role and the makers were certain that they will play
the Phogat sisters? However, at that point of time they were undecided on the parts
the two will get to essay.
Says a source, “The makers were impressed by what Fatima
and Sanya had to offer. They selected both, but for some time were unable to
decide as to who plays Geeta and who essays the role of Babita.”
Image Source: india
So how was the cast finally put in place?
Adds the source, “It was a difficult decision as the
competition was neck and neck. A number of meetings were held where some saw
Fatima as Geeta, while others thought Sanya would be a better choice. During
one of the meetings, a member of the team put forth his observation that Fatima
looked slightly older that Sanya and hence, should play Geeta Phogat. This
struck a chord with Nitesh, UTV and Aamir and finally Fatima was cast as
Geeta.”
Dangal, an autobiographical sports drama, revolves around
Mahavir Singh Phogat (essayed by Aamir) who trains his daughters Geeta Phogat
and Babita Kumari in wrestling. The sisters go on to achieve firsts for
Indianwrestling at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
Image Source: youtube/UTVMotionPictures
It has been reported that Fatima and Sanya had to undergo
rigorous training for 2 years under the guidance of Kripa Shankar to physically
transform themselves. That’s not all. The two were made to follow the same
regimes as the real Geeta and Babita Phogat in order to look like professional
wrestlers.
Now that the film has released, we can’t think of a
better choice for Geeta and Babita. What say?
Thumbnail Image Source: APH Images