Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS): Indian basketball player Satnam Singh Bhamara says superstar Aamir Khan's portrayal in "Dangal" reminded him of his own father.

Praising the Nitesh Tiwari directorial, Bhamara said that actresses Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra, who essay the Phogat sisters in the film, have done a "terrific job".

"'Dangal' touched my heart because Aamir Khan's portrayal of Mahavir Singh Phogat reminded me of how my own father supported me in my initial years. The girls have done a terrific job, and the film took me back to my initial days of struggle when I was mastering the art of playing basketball," Bhamara said in a statement.

He added: "'Dangal' reflects the hard work that any sportsperson has to endure to reach the big stage, irrespective of gender. The early years of a sportsperson, when resources are limited, plays a huge part in shaping his or her career. And success is never achieved overnight," Bhamara added.

The film which released on December 23, is based on Mahavir Singh Phogat, who taught wrestling to his daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari.