Aamir Khan reveals Sakshi Tanwar’s casting in Dangal was his idea: “My mom used to like her a lot on television”

In a fresh look into casting decisions behind the blockbuster sports biopic Dangal (2016), actor-producer Aamir Khan shared how the television actress Sakshi Tanwar joined the film. The video, released via his production house Aamir Khan Productions’ Instagram account, reveals an interesting back-story of how the role of Daya Kaur (wife of wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat) was cast.

Khan said that many actresses were tested for the part, but it was his own thought that led to Tanwar’s inclusion. “One day, I don’t know why, I thought of Sakshi Tanwar. When the scene was made, I was like, what have you done? I wasn’t expecting it at all.” He further explained, “Actually, Sakshi was my idea. My mom used to like her a lot on television, so I told Niteshji, ‘Should we try Sakshi ji?’” with “Niteshji” referring to director Nitesh Tiwari.

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Speaking in the same video, Tanwar expressed her surprise at being selected. “When I was told that this is the character, I couldn’t believe that this could also be a pairing,” she said. She described her moment of confirmation when Khan conveyed the news: “Welcome, you’re on board.”

Khan also praised Tanwar’s professionalism: “She’s amazing. She’s a fantastic actress. You tell her small little changes, and she understands immediately and gives it perfectly. It’s not only skill; she does it with a lot of heart.” On their on-screen chemistry, he noted, “It just happened on its own. Like different pieces of a puzzle coming together. One day, the universe decided to be generous, and I became a part of Dangal.”

Dangal went on to become one of India’s highest-grossing films globally, earning both commercial success and critical acclaim.

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