World Cancer Day 2022: Stories of Bollywood Actresses who Battled Cancer & Won

Don’t we all envy Bollywood celebrities for their glamorous avatars and acting skills? Their perfect lives make us all want to be them. Well, beyond their onscreen beauty, Bollywood actors have also been a constant source of motivation in every sphere of life. Just like us, they too witness a fair share of ups and downs, and have been plagued with life-threatening diseases. Cancer is one such battle that has changed the lives of some of our favourite Bollywood celebrities. While some have succumbed to the disease, there are others who turned heroes, inspired us and emerged victorious. On the occasion of World Cancer Day (4^th February 2022), we aim at exploring famous cancer survivor stories that have inspired millions of people to fight for their lives.  

6 Brave Celebrities who successfully Fought Cancer

Here are six personal stories of celebrity cancer survivors in India:

Image source - TOI

• Sonali Bendre

In July 2018, Sonali Bendre took to social media to reveal that she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer, and was undergoing treatment at a hospital in New York. In this type of cancer, the cancerous cells spread to new areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream. When Sonali revealed this news, she was in the fourth stage, and had 30% chances of survival. In her social media post, the actress also said that she wept for an entire night after she was diagnosed with cancer. However, a positive outlook, and love and support from her fans helped her cope with cancer treatment.

On Cancer Survivors Day, she even wrote a note saying that she will not let the C word define her life. Despite all the hardships she faced, Sonali has always maintained a cheerful attitude, and shared images of herself at every stage. In another post, she wrote "Your journey is going to be hard but try to fight it with hope and remember to switch on the sunshine and take one day at a time."

Image source - Bollywood Journalist

• Manisha Koirala

Manisha Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2012. In this type of cancer, the cancer begins in the ovaries of the female reproductive system, and often goes undiagnosed until it spreads to the pelvis and abdomen. Though the intensity of her illness was not revealed, she too flew to the United States for her treatment. She also underwent chemotherapy at a hospital in NYC. Manisha has also written a book "Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life". After fighting cancer and winning the battle in the year 2015, the actress has been actively involved in spreading awareness about the disease.

In a post, she also wrote “I know the journey is tough, but you are tougher than that.' I want to pay my respects to those who succumbed to it and celebrate it with those who conquered it.”

Image source - News18

• Lisa Ray

Lisa Ray was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2009. It is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is a rare disease. As part of her treatment, she even received a stem cell transplant. In April 2010, Lisa announced that she was cancer free and had completed her medication. However, two years later, she had a relapse. Despite suffering from a rare cancer, Lisa’s outlook towards life did not change. Till today, she is one of the most outspoken celebrities about her battle. Lisa also started a blog named “The Yellow Diaries”, in which she has spoken about her experiences of living with cancer. She also spoke about the same in a book titled ‘Close To The Bone: A Memoir.’

After battling cancer, she even got married and went to a retreat in Florida that primarily uses nutrition to reverse the disease.

Image source - Wikipedia

• Mumtaz

Yesteryear Bollywood diva, Mumtaz is a cancer survivor as well. When she was in her 50s, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A malignant lump in her breast was diagnosed. Despite her illness, and 6 chemotherapy and 35 radiation sessions, she still won the battle. In one of her interviews with a leading tabloid, she stated “I don't give up easily. Even death will have to fight me.” A lot of cancer patients laud her fighting spirit.

Image source - Deccan Chronicle

• Tahira Kashyap Khurrana

Tahira Kashyap Khurrana was diagnosed with stage 0 of breast cancer in 2018. She stated that she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ in her right breast with high-grade malignant cells. She has been an inspiration in more ways than one. As a cancer survivor, Tahira has been pretty vocal about her trials and tribulations on her road to recovery. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she even penned a heartfelt note on Instagram which read “Protect yourself. Value yourself. Nurture yourself.” She has always reminded people about the importance of self-examination. When breast cancer is detected early, it can be prevented from spreading to other body organs. As a brave celebrity, she has even urged cancer patients to embrace all their scars and wear them as a badge of honour.

Image source - Indian Express

• Kirron Kher

It came as a shock to everybody when Anupam Kher announced that his wife, Kirron Kher, has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer). He made the announcement in April 2021, and said she was undergoing treatment. However, she has been open about her experience in several interviews and has also mentioned how work and support from her friends had kept her busy. Kirron Kher has been an inspiration to many as she was working even while she was undergoing treatment. When she was in the hospital, she even inaugurated an oxygen plant in Chandigarh, virtually. In one of her interviews, she even said “It’s not the ideal situation to be in. Par yeh zindagi hai. One learns to deal with them and carry on”. Though she is not cancer free yet, she is recovering well.

While there are many brave hearts who have battled cancer, these divas have been an inspiration for millions of people, across the world. Kudos to these famous cancer survivors.

If you too are a cancer survivor, and have a personal story to share, we’d love to know more about your road to recovery. Write to us at contact@girls.buzz.