Back in 2019, Fatima Sana Shaikh surprised her fans with a heartwarming throwback that instantly stirred nostalgia. The actress posted a charming picture from her very first film, and for those thinking of 'Dangal,' it was actually from the 1997 comedy 'Chachi 420'. The behind-the-scenes photo showed a young Fatima alongside actress
Tabu, delighting followers with a glimpse of her early acting days.
Remembering her first film experience
Directed by
Kamal Haasan, 'Chachi 420' remains one of
Indian cinema’s most cherished comedies. In the film, Fatima played Bharti, the daughter of Haasan and Tabu’s characters. The movie was a Hindi adaptation of the 1993 Hollywood classic 'Mrs Doubtfire,' which starred the late Robin Williams.
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Fatima’s post, shared on Instagram in 2019, captured a sweet on-set moment with Tabu and quickly gained attention online. Fans flooded the comments section with nostalgic messages, and many eagerly waited for Tabu’s response.
A film that still connects generations
Apart from Kamal Haasan, Tabu, and Fatima, Chachi 420 also featured a powerhouse ensemble including Amrish Puri, Om Puri, Johnny Walker, Paresh Rawal, Rajendranath Zutshi, and Ayesha Jhulka. Even today, the film continues to resonate with audiences for its humor, warmth, and timeless family theme.
Years after her childhood debut, Fatima rose to fame with Nitesh Tiwari’s Dangal in 2016, where she starred alongside Aamir Khan and Sanya Malhotra.
Before achieving success on the big screen, she appeared in television shows such as 'Ladies Special' and 'Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo,' as well as films including 'Bittoo Boss' and 'Akaash Vani.'
Her recent work includes the 2025 releases 'Metro… In Dino' and 'Aap Jaisa Koi,' showing her expanding range beyond her earlier roles. From playing a child artist in 'Chachi 420' to emerging as a prominent actress in modern Bollywood, Fatima Sana Shaikh’s trajectory illustrates how early talent can evolve into sustained success.