New Delhi: Suhani Bhatnagar (19), child actor of ‘Dangal’ fame who died in New Delhi on Saturday, was suffering from a rare condition known as dermatomyositis, said her father Puneet.

Two months ago, a red spot had formed on her hand. They felt that their daughter was suffering from an allergy after which they got her treated at several hospitals in Faridabad, but none could diagnose the disease. When her condition started worsening, she was admitted to AIIMS in Delhi for treatment on Tuesday, but even there her condition did not improve and slowly her body started filling with liquid.

According to family members, she was given steroids—the only treatment for her condition, which weakened her immunity. She contracted an infection in the hospital, her lungs weakened, making it difficult for her to breathe.

While Suhani’s co-star Zaira had publicly announced her decision to quit the film industry in June 2019, Suhani took a break from the industry to focus on her studies. Suhani was pursuing a course in mass communication and journalism. After completing her studies she wanted to work in films. She was camera-friendly from her childhood days, according to her family.

Saddened by her death, ‘Dangal’ director Nitesh Tiwari said, “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.”

A note posted by Dangal co-actor Aamir Khan’s production house on Instagram said, “We are deeply saddened to hear about our Suhani passing away. Our heartfelt condolences to her mother Pooja ji, and the entire family. Such a talented young girl, such a team player, Dangal would have been incomplete without Suhani.”