Today is World Cancer Day. Every year, there are lakhs of people who battle the deadly disease and prove their willpower. This year’s theme for the day is, “I am and I will.” We bring you the stories of Indian celebrities who fought and won against cancer.
Gautami Tadimalla
The south Indian actress who was last seen in the movie Papanasam in Tamil, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. It was a life-shaking moment for her but she never raised the question, “Why me?” and was instead determined to say, “Try me.” When she was diagnosed, her daughter was just five years old. After undergoing voracious treatment, she recovered, and didn’t stop there. She started a non profit organization, along with her close friends, and named it Life Again Foundation, to create awareness and help patients to overcome the disease. “There are two things one has to take care of to prevent cancer. One is mental health; another is food. Being in a mentally unhealthy environment and having harmful food habits are the major reasons for cancer. So it’s better to be focused on both,” this is the piece of advice she gives.
Manisha Koirala
The gorgeous actress who conquered hearts of many 90’s kids with her natural acting, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. Until then, she didn’t realize the seriousness of imbalanced work-life culture. Either she was busy with movies or was partying with friends, but there was no ‘self-realization’ moments for her – she wrote in her book called Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life, co-authored with writer Neelam Kumar. She says it’s after the disease that she realized how important her life is and how beautiful it is to live in her own space of peace and happiness.
Sonali Bendre
The actress recently posted a back-to-work picture on her Instagram page, with the message: “Being back on a set after a major sabbatical – one that has been testing in many ways on so many levels – is a surreal feeling.” She was diagnosed with cancer in July 2018. From undergoing treatment to going bald, she faced all situations with positive vibes. She once said, “Emotions aren’t wrong. Feeling negative emotions isn’t wrong. But after a point, identify it, recognize it and refuse to let it control your life,” and we all know she made it.
Irrfan Khan
This talented actor was diagnosed with a high grade neuroendocrine cancer last year. This is one of the rarest cancers in the world. At that time, Irrfan Khan was riding all high with his passion and dreams. Suddenly, everything seemed to have gone upside down. He is currently undergoing treatment in London, and we hope he will be back with a bang!
Mamta Mohandas
The actress who was beginning her career in the film industry back then, was diagnosed with
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2009. She started her treatment in Los Angeles and survived all the pain and suffering. Today, she proudly posted her #10yearchallenge pictures with a strong message, “As it’s WORLD CANCER DAY, I had decided that my #10yearchallenge will have to wait until today. I GOT CANCER… CANCER DIDN’T GET ME!”
Rakesh Roshan
Actor Hrithik Roshan revealed his father’s early stage throat cancer this year on a very optimistic note. “Knew he wouldn’t miss gym on surgery day. He is probably the strongest man I know. Got diagnosed with early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat a few weeks ago, but he is in full spirits today as he proceeds to battle it.” This was the quote he shared along with a picture with his dad. The producer cum director, as expected by his son, successfully underwent the surgery and is already back to work.
Tahira Kashyap Khurrana
Tahira Kashyap Khurrana boldly walked the ramp walk with a bald head at the Lakme Fashion Week, yesterday. Since the day she was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer, she has been taking every step of the treatment positively. With great support from her loving husband actor Ayushmann Khurana, this filmmaker is overcoming her disease the badass way. Her message to this world is, “Many times we’re knocked down, the important thing is we keep getting up and taking one step – even a half step – forward!”