Every few years, a performance comes along that demands more than just acting skills: it demands a total physical overhaul. In 2026, all eyes are on Shriyam Bhagnani, the actress who stepped into the heavy sandals of Hetal Dave for the biopic Sumo Didi. Released on 23 October 2026, the film tells the incredible story of India’s first professional female sumo wrestler.
While many know her name because of her famous Bollywood relatives, Shriyam has carved a distinct path. She is not just another industry kid. She is a trained athlete and a method actor who spent years in production and editing before finding her place in front of the camera.
Who is Shriyam Bhagnani?
Born and raised in Mumbai, Shriyam Bhagnani is a graduate of the prestigious Barry John Acting Studio. Long before she was a household name, she was an aspiring tennis player. Her athletic background proved crucial when she eventually transitioned into the world of sports dramas.
Interestingly, Shriyam did not start her career in the spotlight. She spent significant time learning the ropes of filmmaking behind the scenes, working in production and editing. This grounded perspective helped her navigate the industry independently, despite her family’s deep roots in Indian cinema.
The Epic Transformation for Sumo Didi
Playing Hetal Dave was not a role that could be performed with prosthetics alone. Shriyam committed to a radical physical transformation that has become a major talking point in 2026.
To look the part of a professional sumo wrestler, Shriyam had to gain 14 kilograms. This was not a simple feat of overeating: she worked closely with celebrity trainer Sahil Rasheed to ensure the weight was gained through a mix of muscle and mass. During her peak training, she consumed approximately 2500 calories daily, reaching a final weight of 97 kilograms.
This was not her first encounter with extreme weight fluctuations. In 2018, she lost 25 kilograms for a film that was unfortunately shelved. The constant shifting of her body weight took a toll on both her physical and mental health, a topic she has discussed openly in interviews to highlight the hidden costs of method acting.
Family Ties: The Bhagnani Connection
Shriyam belongs to a prominent Sindhi family with a massive footprint in Bollywood. However, she has been vocal about wanting to establish her own identity.
- Vashu Bhagnani: Her uncle is the legendary producer behind Pooja Entertainment.
- Jackky Bhagnani: The actor and producer is her cousin.
- Deepshikha Deshmukh: Her cousin is a well known producer and entrepreneur.
- Deepak and Kirti Bhagnani: Her parents own the music company Black Key Tunes.
Despite these connections, Shriyam chose to audition for roles like Tanya Mehta in City of Dreams and the lead in Sumo Didi without relying on the family banner. Her brother, Bharat Bhagnani, has also stepped outside the traditional film path, founding beverage brands like Sector Gin.
Early Career: From Behind the Lens to the Ring
Shriyam’s filmography began with small but impactful appearances. She made her screen debut in the 2018 action film Baaghi 2, starring Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani. That same year, she appeared in Batti Gul Meter Chalu.
In 2019, she showcased her versatility by co-writing and producing the short film Sunny Se Rubaroo. This period was essential for her development, as she gained a technical understanding of how scenes are built, which she later applied to her acting process.
Notable Roles: City of Dreams and Beyond
Before Sumo Didi, Shriyam was best known for her performance in City of Dreams Season 2 (2021). Playing the character Tanya Mehta, she shared the screen with Ankur Rathee. Her nuanced portrayal earned her a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actor, marking her as a serious talent to watch in the OTT space.
Career Milestone Comparison
| Project | Role | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Baaghi 2 | Simi | Her first appearance in a major Bollywood film. |
| City of Dreams S2 | Tanya Mehta | Received a Filmfare nomination for her performance. |
| Sumo Didi | Hetal Dave | First lead role involving a 14kg weight gain. |
The Training Regimen: Working with Hetal Dave
To ensure the film was authentic, Shriyam trained directly with the real Hetal Dave. The training was grueling, especially since Shriyam had to learn to wrestle while weighing 97 kilograms.
Hetal taught her the signature sumo squat and the psychological warfare of the ring. Shriyam learned how to maintain eye contact with opponents and how to move with agility despite the added body mass. She has often mentioned that her background as a tennis player gave her the discipline needed to survive these intense sessions.
Also Read : Namita Krishnamurthy: The Full Biography of the IIT-Grad Star
Release Details: When to Watch Sumo Didi
Directed by Jayant Rohtagi, Sumo Didi is one of the most anticipated releases of late 2026. The film officially premiered on 23 October 2026. The production was a global effort, with the final schedules filmed on location in Japan, the heartland of sumo wrestling.
Shriyam’s journey from a tennis court to the sumo ring is a testament to her dedication. As she continues to choose roles that challenge her physically and emotionally, she is quickly becoming one of the most respected actors of her generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Is Shriyam Bhagnani related to Jackky Bhagnani?
Yes, they are cousins. Shriyam is the niece of producer Vashu Bhagnani and the daughter of Deepak Bhagnani.
Q.How much weight did she gain for Sumo Didi?
Shriyam gained 14 kilograms for the role, reaching a peak weight of 97 kilograms under the supervision of trainer Sahil Rasheed.
Q.What was Shriyam Bhagnani’s first movie?
Her first credited screen role was in the film Baaghi 2 (2018), where she played a character named Simi.
Q.Did Shriyam Bhagnani play tennis?
Yes, before pursuing acting, she was a trained tennis player and originally intended to pursue the sport professionally.
