Fatima Sana Shaikh Discusses Her Struggle with Bulimia

In a heartfelt revelation, actor Fatima Sana Shaikh has shared her enduring battle with bulimia and emotional eating, issues that emerged following her transformation for Dangal. While promoting her new film Gustaakh Ishq with Vijay Varma on the podcast Chapter 2 hosted by Rhea Chakraborty, she provided a candid glimpse into the mental health challenges faced throughout her career.

Fatima recounted how her troubled relationship with food took shape during her intense preparation for playing the role of wrestler Geeta Phogat in Dangal. During this time, she dedicated nearly three hours daily to training and maintained a caloric intake of 2,500 to 3,000 calories. Although this regime proved effective during filming, post-production, she struggled to revert to a normal lifestyle, leading to unhealthy eating patterns despite reduced physical activity.

This transition fostered an emotional reliance on food, detrimentally impacting her mental health. Fatima disclosed that she faced bulimia for two years, becoming ensnared in a strict and obsessive dieting cycle. Her thoughts frequently centered on food, making it challenging to nurture a healthy outlook. During emotional upheaval, her coping methods often entailed binge eating followed by severe restriction, creating debilitating cycles that affected her daily life, sometimes restricting her ability to leave home.

A pivotal moment in her healing journey occurred when her Dangal co-star Sanya Malhotra addressed her concerning eating habits. This encounter prompted self-reflection and stirred feelings of shame but also helped her understand the psychological ramifications of her disorder. Furthermore, she expressed gratitude to screenwriter Rahul Mody for guiding her toward healthier eating habits and providing unwavering emotional support.

Fatima emphasized that mental health struggles often go unnoticed, even when individuals present a composed exterior. She shared her internal battles against "demons and dark thoughts" and explained that the act of overeating wasn't the root issue; rather, it stemmed from using food as a mechanism to cope with deep-seated emotions, insecurities, and stress.

Despite her challenges, Fatima noted significant progress in understanding her emotional triggers and is dedicated to cultivating a kinder, more balanced relationship with food. Although the journey is lengthy, she remains committed to healing and embracing self-acceptance.

On the career front, Fatima recently appeared in Netflix's Aap Jaisa Koi opposite R. Madhavan and played a significant role in the sequel to the ensemble drama Life in a... Metro. Anticipation is building for her upcoming film, Gustaakh Ishq, as she continues its promotional activities.