Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Epilepsy Bulimia
Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Epilepsy Bulimia
Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh has spoken candidly about the battles she has quietly fought behind the camera—epilepsy, bulimia, and a complex relationship with food that spiraled after her dramatic physical transformation for Dangal. In a heartfelt conversation on actor Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast, Fatima revealed how the discipline required for the film slowly morphed into long-term emotional and physical struggles.
The transformation that triggered a downward spiral
Fatima shared that the rigorous training and intense calorie-heavy diet she followed during Dangal marked the beginning of her complicated relationship with her body.
“I’ve always swung between loving and disliking myself. For Dangal, I had to gain weight and was doing three hours of training every day. I was consuming nearly 2,500–3,000 calories daily. But once the film ended, my routine changed, my food intake didn’t—and that’s where everything began to derail.”
According to her, the sudden shift in lifestyle left her unable to control her eating habits, and food slowly became an emotional escape. – Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Epilepsy Bulimia
“Food became my hiding place”
Describing her struggle post-Dangal, Fatima said she often feared stepping out because of how unpredictable her binge-eating episodes became.
“I could eat non-stop for hours. Then I’d go into extreme starvation mode. It was exhausting. I felt trapped, guilty and out of control.”
She revealed that she battled bulimia for nearly two years, a period she now recognizes as one of the most mentally taxing phases of her life.
Her rigid understanding of dieting further complicated things.
“My idea of diet was numbers. I was obsessed with how many calories I should or shouldn’t consume. Even today, food occupies a large part of my thoughts, but I’m learning to deal with it healthier than before.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Epilepsy Bulimia
Support, shame and the moment she decided to seek help
Fatima recalled a turning point when her Dangal co-star and close friend Sanya Malhotra confronted her about her deteriorating habits. The confrontation left Fatima ashamed but also pushed her toward introspection.
She also credited writer Rahul Mody for helping her develop healthier patterns and break out of the extreme cycles she was stuck in.
“Some days I still binge. But now, I don’t punish myself for it. It’s a choice, not a reaction.”
On body image, numbness and the illusion of normalcy
Fatima reflected on how social media amplifies insecurities, leading many—like her—to numb emotions through excess food, scrolling, or other compulsive behaviors.
“The real issue isn’t overeating. It’s the insecurity and emotional pain behind it. People see you smiling outside, but they don’t know the war happening inside your mind.”
Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Epilepsy Bulimia
Living with epilepsy: “I didn’t understand how life-changing it would be”
Alongside her battles with food, Fatima has also been managing epilepsy, a condition she initially didn’t fully grasp. She described an incident where a burst of bright light triggered her symptoms, making her realize how unpredictable the condition could be.
“I thought epilepsy was about occasional episodes. But it affects tiny parts of daily life—things people don’t even notice.”
Fatima admitted she resisted medication at first because of social stigma.
“People think epilepsy means mental instability or drug abuse. I never felt bad for myself—only for those who lack empathy and understanding.”
Today, she is committed to her treatment but still experiences anxiety, especially about the possibility of an episode occurring in public. – Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Epilepsy Bulimia
“The people around me have been extremely kind”
Fatima shared that her colleagues have been very supportive and aware of her medical needs, which has helped her cope.
“My world is very accepting. But I still worry—what if something happens in front of the paparazzi? That fear took me time to overcome.”
What’s next for Fatima Sana Shaikh
The actor is now preparing for her upcoming romantic drama ‘Gustaakh Ishq’, where she stars opposite Vijay Varma. The film marks Manish Malhotra’s debut as a producer and also features Naseeruddin Shah and Sharib Hashmi. It is slated to release on November 21.
Despite the battles she continues to fight, Fatima’s reflections stand as a powerful reminder of resilience—and the silent struggles that often remain hidden behind fame, glamour and public perception.
Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Epilepsy Bulimia
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