
Before ‘Dangal’: When Fatima Sana Shaikh Revealed Her Childhood Crush on Shah Rukh Khan
Today, Fatima Sana Shaikh is widely recognized for her memorable performances and versatile screen presence, but many movie fans are surprised to learn that her journey in cinema began long before her breakthrough years.
Long before becoming a familiar face to audiences, Fatima appeared as a child artiste in several Bollywood films and shared screen space with some of the industry’s biggest stars.
One of her early appearances came in Ishq (1997), starring Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan. She later appeared in One 2 Ka 4 (2001), where she got an opportunity to work alongside Shah Rukh Khan at a very young age.
Years later, reflecting on that experience in an interview, Fatima shared a charming childhood memory that fans found relatable and entertaining.
According to her recollection, she had developed an innocent childhood crush on Shah Rukh Khan during the shoot. She joked that the superstar had no idea that a young child on set admired him so much.
Fatima also remembered receiving plenty of attention during filming because she was among the youngest members of the cast. But one discovery left a dramatic impression on her younger self—learning that Shah Rukh Khan was already married.
She humorously recalled feeling genuinely heartbroken at the time, describing it as what felt like a “real breakup” in the emotional world of a child.
Stories like these offer a nostalgic glimpse into how even future stars once had their own fan moments growing up around cinema.
Beyond Ishq and One 2 Ka 4, Fatima also appeared as a child artiste in films including Chachi 420 and Bade Dilwala, gradually building early screen experience before transitioning into larger roles.
Her career reached a major turning point with Dangal, where her performance earned widespread appreciation and introduced her to a new generation of viewers.
Fatima’s journey remains a reminder that many successful actors begin their careers quietly—and sometimes with stories that are unexpectedly relatable.

