Fatima Sana Shaikh on not talking about her struggle with epilepsy earlier: Was scared of not getting work

Fatima Sana Shaikh said she was "scared" of not having opportunities if she opens up about her struggle with epilepsy. On how she has been working with this condition, Fatima shared that she informs all her directors that she has epilepsy. The team of Sam Bahadur had to halt shooting for two days when she had an episode on the set.

Hyderabad: Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, who will be soon seen as Indira Gandhi in Sam Bahadur, recently opened up about her struggle with epilepsy. The actor was diagnosed when she was training for 2016 released Dangal but did not speak about it until very recent as she was "scared" of not being offered work.

Last month, Fatima shared an awareness post regarding epilepsy. While marking the Epilepsy awareness challenge 2022, she urged people to share their stories of epilepsy. When asked what took her so long to reveal her health condition, Fatima in an interview said, "I've not hidden it, but kabhi mauka nahi mila. I took some time to understand what it was. There’s so much stigma attached. You think log sochenge that you have an ailment. I didn’t want people to think I’m weak."

The 30-year-old actor further said, "I was scared that if I tell people that I have this then I will not get work. I, also, didn’t want to accept that I have a neurological condition."

On how she has been working with this condition, Fatima shared that she informs all her directors that she has epilepsy. The team of Sam Bahadur had to halt shooting for two days when she had an episode on the set.

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To spread awareness, and burst myths and stigma around epilepsy, Fatima felt talking about it is important. Hence, she also attended an event held by an NGO to mark Epilepsy Awareness Month on November 19.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Fatima will be seen in Dhak Dhak. Directed and co-written by Tarun Dudeja, and co-produced by Taapsee Pannu, Pranjal Khandhdiya and Ayush Maheshwari. She also has Sam Bahadur in which she will be seen with Vicky Kaushal and Sanya Malhotra.