Fatima Sana Shaikh: Beyond the Seizures, Back to Set!
Thu June 26th, 2025
In a candid and powerful revelation, actress Fatima Sana Shaikh has opened up about the immense emotional and physical toll of being called back to set just a week after suffering multiple seizures. The "Dangal" star, who publicly shared her epilepsy diagnosis in 2024, bravely recounted the challenging period, revealing she was "on different chemicals" (medication) to manage her condition, making the return to work incredibly difficult.
The Unforeseen Challenge: Seizures and the Call Back
Fatima Sana Shaikh's journey with epilepsy began in 2011, but she only publicly disclosed her diagnosis on World Epilepsy Day in 2024. Since then, she has been an active advocate for epilepsy awareness, breaking stigmas and sharing her personal experiences. Her latest revelation sheds light on the harsh realities faced by actors dealing with chronic health conditions in a demanding industry.
During a recent interaction, the actress detailed a particularly harrowing incident where she suffered multiple seizures, requiring her to be hospitalized. To stabilize her condition, she was put on a regimen of strong medications. What made the situation even more challenging was the call from production houses, urging her to return to work just a week after this traumatic experience.
"I had multiple seizures, and I was on different chemicals (medication) when I was called for a shoot in a week," Fatima shared. She vividly described the emotional distress of that time, stating, "My brain was not processing things the way it should be. I was crying, saying, 'I don't think I can do it.'"
The Pressure to Perform Amidst Health Struggles
Her account highlights the immense pressure actors face to resume work quickly, often without adequate time for recovery or adjustment to new medications. The "chemicals" she referred to are likely anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), which can have significant side effects, including cognitive impairment, fatigue, and mood changes, especially when starting or adjusting dosages. For an actor, whose work relies heavily on emotional recall, cognitive clarity, and physical presence, these side effects can be debilitating.
Despite her emotional state and the physical impact of the medication, Fatima managed to push through. Her ability to deliver performances under such challenging circumstances speaks volumes about her resilience and dedication to her craft.
Breaking the Silence and Raising Awareness
Fatima Sana Shaikh's decision to openly discuss her struggles with epilepsy and its impact on her professional life is a significant step towards destigmatizing the condition. By sharing her vulnerability, she is not only connecting with countless individuals facing similar health challenges but also prompting a crucial conversation within the entertainment industry about mental and physical well-being.
Her powerful testimony serves as a reminder that behind the glamour of the big screen, actors are human beings susceptible to health issues, and compassion and understanding are paramount. As she continues to advocate for greater awareness and acceptance, Fatima Sana Shaikh stands as a beacon of strength and authenticity in Bollywood.
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