Dangal movie actress Suhani Bhatnagar dies due to dermatomyositis, Know about this disease

Suhani Bhatnagar, who played young Babita Kumari Phogat in Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’, died on February 16 in Delhi. She was just 19 years old. Her death was confirmed by Aamir Khan’s production house. The untimely passing of Suhani Bhatnagar, known for her portrayal of young Babita Kumari Phogat in Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’, has left the industry and her fans in shock.

In a recent interaction with the media, Suhani’s parents shared the heart-wrenching details of their daughter’s battle with a mysterious illness. Two months prior, Suhani began experiencing swelling in her hands, which later spread to her entire body. Despite consulting multiple doctors, the exact cause of her illness remained unidentified.
Eventually, she was admitted to AIIMS, where tests revealed she was suffering from dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease. The prescribed treatment involved the use of steroids, which unfortunately weakened her immune system. As a consequence, she contracted an infection while at the hospital, leading to complications in her lungs and difficulty in breathing. Tragically, on the evening of February 16, Suhani passed away.
Speaking of their daughter, Suhani’s mother expressed immense pride in her achievements. She shared how Suhani had been involved in modeling since childhood and was selected for the role in ‘Dangal’ from a pool of 25,000 children. Suhani’s passion for the camera was evident from an early age. Currently pursuing a course in Mass Communication and Journalism, she had aspirations to complete her studies and continue her career in the film industry.
What is Dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by muscle inflammation and skin rash. It is part of a group of muscle diseases known as inflammatory myopathies. Dermatomyositis can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects adults between the ages of 50 and 70, with women being twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease as men. The exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but possible factors include abnormal genes, cancer (especially in older individuals), autoimmune disease, or an infection or exposure in the environment that triggers the disease.

The symptoms of dermatomyositis include muscle weakness, skin rash, and in some cases, muscle pain. The rash is patchy and often appears with purple or red discolorations. It typically develops on the eyelids and on muscles used to extend or straighten joints, such as the knuckles, elbows, knees, and toes. Other areas of the body, such as the face, neck, shoulders, and upper chest, may also be affected by red rashes.
Dermatomyositis can have complications, including difficulty in breathing, aspiration pneumonia, and difficulty in eating due to muscle involvement in the esophagus. In rare cases, dermatomyositis has been associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer. The disease can progress gradually, and effective treatments are available to manage symptoms.