Shriyam Bhagnani Steps into the Ring as Hetal Dave in ZEE5’s Sumo Didi; Trailer Out Now

Actor Shriyam Bhagnani takes centre stage as India’s first professional female sumo wrestler, Hetal Dave, in Sumo Didi, an inspiring sports biopic that celebrates grit, resilience and the courage to challenge conventions. Hindi ZEE5 has unveiled the trailer of the film, offering a glimpse into the remarkable journey of a woman who defied expectations and turned what the world perceived as her limitation into her greatest strength. Produced by Freshlime Films and Math Entertainment Network Pvt Ltd, and directed by Jayant Rohatgi, the film also stars Chaitanya Sharma and will premiere exclusively on Hindi ZEE5 on October 23, 2026.

At its heart, Sumo Didi is the story of a woman who refuses to let society define what she can become. As Hetal finds her calling in the unconventional world of sumo wrestling, she embarks on a journey that challenges perceptions around women, their bodies and their abilities. Shriyam Bhagnani steps into the demanding role of Hetal Dave, bringing alive her determination and emotional journey, with Chaitanya Sharma, Anubha Fatehpuriya, late Nitesh Pandey, Raghav Dhir and Meenal Kapoor also featuring in the film.

Actor Shriyam Bhagnani said, “This film is my first lead outing and that was a huge responsibility to shoulder on top of that the role was complex. It felt like an uphill climb when I started and I still can’t believe that it’s releasing this month. Playing Hetal Dave has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. Her journey is not just about becoming a sumo wrestler; it is about learning to believe in yourself when the world keeps telling you that you are different. Preparing for the role pushed me physically and emotionally, but it also changed the way I look at strength and resilience. Hetal’s story stayed with me long after we finished filming, and I’m really happy that the trailer is now out. I hope audiences discover her journey, feel inspired by it and carry a little bit of her courage with them. I’m excited for the film to reach audiences on 23rd October on Hindi Zee 5.”

Director Jayant Rohtagi said, “Sumo Didi is an inspiring underdog story of grit, resilience and rising from the depths of despair. A young woman from a conservative Marwari household defies all odds, turning her perceived weakness into strength and breaking the glass ceiling. What drew me to Hetal’s story was her courage in challenging patriarchy, social pressure, gender bias and body politics. From the narrow lanes of Kolkata to the serene Japanese countryside, her journey is intimate yet cinematic.
Shriyam has given everything – physically and emotionally, to bring Hetal’s story to life and I’m grateful to Jio Studios, Fresh Lime Films, MA+TH Entertainment Network and ZEE5 for believing in it. At its core, our film is not just about Hetal becoming an accomplished sumo wrestler; it is about her reclaiming her space, her body and her power.”

The film has also travelled to prestigious international film festivals, including the Tokyo International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival. Shriyam Bhagnani, known for her performances in City of Dreams and Netflix’s Aap Jaisa Koi, takes on the titular role in Sumo Didi, bringing the inspiring journey of Hetal Dave to life. The film will premiere exclusively on Hindi ZEE5 on October 23, 2026.