Photos of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan having a video conversation with Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat have been widely shared on social media, igniting rumors about a potential follow-up to the successful 2016 sports biopic Dangal. The images also feature Kripa Shankar Patel, a wrestler who trained Aamir for his role in Dangal. This unexpected video call has fans speculating about the future and whether Aamir is gearing up for a new wrestling-related project.
One fan took to X to share the viral pictures, writing, “A commendable gesture by Aamir Khan. During a video call, he praised Vinesh Phogat for her outstanding performance in Paris, emphasizing that her efforts in the three matches demonstrated her champion’s mindset. Also seen in the picture is Kripa Shankar, a former wrestler who mentored the cast of Dangal.”
Good touch from Aamir Khan. Over a video call, he congratulated Vinesh Phogat for her stupendous fight in Paris. Reminded her that her three fights were proof of her champion mentality. Pics courtesy former wrestler Kripa Shankar (also in the pic), who was mentor for the actors… pic.twitter.com/ek2ZF89z8o
— Debayan Sen (ਦੇਬਾਯਨ) (@debayansen) August 31, 2024
Dangal tells the inspirational true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler played by Aamir Khan, who breaks societal expectations by training his daughters, Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat, to excel in the male-dominated sport of wrestling. Geeta makes history by winning India’s first gold medal in women’s wrestling at the Commonwealth Games. The film stars Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra as the adult versions of Geeta and Babita, respectively, while Zaira Wasim and the late Suhani Bhatnagar portrayed their younger selves.
At the recent Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat faced an unexpected setback when she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling category for exceeding the weight limit by a mere 100 grams. The incident led Vinesh to announce her retirement from wrestling shortly after the disqualification.
The interaction between Aamir Khan and Vinesh Phogat has brought renewed attention to both wrestling and the narrative of Dangal. While it remains unclear whether this meeting hints at a possible sequel or is simply a supportive gesture from the actor, fans are hopeful. The exchange between the actor and the wrestler has rekindled interest in a story that captured the nation’s heart and showcased the determination of women in sports.
