Ahida Sarmai: The Inspiring Child Actor With Down Syndrome Who Shone in ‘Dhurandhar 2’
New Delhi: In a rare display of talent that transcends screen time, child actor Ahida Sarmai has captivated audiences with her role in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. Playing Major Iqbal’s (Arjun Rampal) daughter, Ahida brought emotional depth to the film, leaving an indelible mark despite limited screen time.
How Ahida Sarmai Was Discovered
Ahida’s journey to the silver screen began with a viral social media video in which she danced to the hit song Shararat from the first Dhurandhar. Her infectious energy and natural talent quickly caught the attention of the film’s casting team. Within a day of auditioning, Ahida was selected for her role, impressing the filmmakers with her ease in front of the camera.
Early Artistic Endeavors
Long before Dhurandhar 2, Ahida had been actively pursuing performing arts. She worked extensively in theatre, participating in stage productions like Ramayana, Asha Ki Kiran, and Woh Khula Aasman. She has also starred in two unreleased short films, Maktoomb and Bebaqaain.
Ahida is not just a performer—she is also a talented visual artist. Her paintings were showcased at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai during The Art of India 2025 exhibition titled Iceberg. Additionally, her artwork was featured earlier this year at the 12th edition of the Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFFCY).
A Heartfelt Tribute to Arjun Rampal
Ahida, now 15, shared her gratitude for working alongside Arjun Rampal. Posting behind-the-scenes pictures and moments from the film’s success party, she wrote:
“Dear Arjun Sir, It was a beautiful learning under your calm and supportive guidance and see… the result is so DHURANDHAR… so lucky to share the frame with you… and being your onscreen daughter… THANK YOU SIR. With love, LAIBA (Ahida Sarmai).”
Box Office Impact
Dhurandhar: The Revenge, released on March 19, 2026, has been performing exceptionally well at the box office, following the success of its first installment in December last year. Ahida’s performance, in particular, has been widely praised for its authenticity and charm, proving that talent and dedication know no bounds.
Ahida Sarmai’s journey is a testament to how perseverance, parental support, and natural talent can break barriers and inspire millions, making her one of the most inspiring young actors in contemporary Indian cinema.
