Know Dermatomyositis that caused death of ‘Dangal’ Actor

Suhani Bhatnagar, popularly known for his character of young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan-starrer much acclaimed film ‘Dangal’ died at the age of 19 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Friday. She was admitted to AIIMS On February. However, after facing medical complications, she died on February 16 on Friday.

The Faridabad-born actor Bhatnagar was suffering from a rare disease Dermatomyositis. It is a rare disease that causes inflammation and skin rash. It is only a group of muscles that results in muscle inflammation and swelling. This rare disease is different from other muscle diseases, as dermatomyositis only causes skin-related issues. As true for most of the autoimmune or auto-inflammatory rheumatic diseases, dermatomyositis also requires high index of suspicion and caution in diagnosing as it has many mimickers.

Prof. (Dr.) Uma Kumar, HoD, Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS, in a post on X said

“Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts. May you rest in peace,” Aamir Khan Productions said in the post on X. The film’s director Nitesh Tiwari also mourned the death.

Dr Kumar writes further

“Suhani’s passing away is absolutely shocking and heartbreaking. She was such a happy soul, so full of life. My deepest condolences to her family,” he said in a statement. Suhani had taken a break from acting to complete her studies.