“I was treated like a second-grade actor”; Dangal fame actress Fatima breaks silence on Bollywood bias

Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh has never been one to mince words and in a recent interview with Humans of Bombay, the Dangal star pulled back the curtain on the harsh realities that outsiders and supporting actors face in the film industry. From feeling invisible on sets to navigating scenes with attention-hogging co-stars, Fatima's candid confessions struck a chord with many.

“I Don’t Want Anyone to Feel What I Did”

Fatima revealed that newcomers and character actors are often treated like ‘second-grade citizens’—especially when they aren't from influential film families.

 “I’ve played small roles. I’ve seen the difference. It 100% happens,” she said adding that  she makes it her mission to ensure others don’t feel that way. “It’s unnecessary to be badtameez (rude) to people,” she said.

When Co-stars Hijack the Spotlight

In a rapid-fire segment, Fatima shared that while no co-star gave her ridiculous advice, one female co-actor constantly tried to steal the scene, elbowing her way to the front.
 “The scene wasn’t even hers!” she recalled, calling it “irritating” and disruptive to the craft.

On Safety, PoSH, and the Changing Culture

While she hasn’t faced major misconduct, Fatima acknowledged being in “uncomfortable situations.” She praised OTT platforms for prioritising women’s safety, referencing mandatory PoSH sessions on sets that educate cast and crew on boundaries.

From Child Actor to Unfiltered Voice

From Chachi 420 to Dangal and now Metro… In Dino, Fatima continues evolving not just as an actor, but as an advocate for respect and equity in Bollywood. With more films in the pipeline, her story is far from over and her voice, more important than ever.