World Cancer Day 2019: Sonali Bendre, Irrfan Khan, Tahira Kashyap, Manisha Koirala, Rakesh Roshan Are The Ultimate Bravehearts Who Inspire Us
On World Cancer Day 2019, we bring you the list of those bravehearts who fought or are still fighting the deadly C churning out inspiration every step of the way
2018 has been quite a sad year for Bollywood lovers, as many celebs were detected with cancer. Right from Irrfan Khan to Tahira Kashyap, they took to their social media accounts and informed their fans about being diagnosed with the deadly C.
So today, on World Cancer Day 2019, we bring to you the list of those celebs who have fought or are still fighting cancer.
Sonali Bendre: The stunning actress who’s suffering from metastatic cancer, had taken to social media and posted a heartfelt note for her fans as she announced of the diagnosis on July 4, 2018. Her post read, "Sometimes when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with high-grade cancer that has metastasized, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them. There is no better way to tackle this than to take swift and immediate action. And so, as advised by my doctors, I am currently undergoing a course of treatment in New York. We remain optimistic and I am determined to fight every step of the way. What has helped has been the immense outpouring of love and support I’ve received over the past few days, for which I am very grateful. I’m taking this battle head-on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me.”
— Sonali Bendre Behl (@iamsonalibendre) 4 July 2018
Irrfan Khan: The Blackmail actor’s news came in as a huge shock for all his fans, when he announced the sad news on Twitter on March 16, 2018. Irrfan who has been detected with NeuroEndocrine Cancer, had tweeted, “The unexpected makes us grow, which is what the past few days have been about. Learning that I have been diagnosed with NeuroEndocrine Tumour as of now has admittedly been difficult, but the love and strength of those around me and that I found within me has brought me to a place of hope. The journey of this is taking me out of the country, and I request everyone to continue sending their wishes. As for the rumours that were floated NEURO is not always about the brain and googling is the easiest way to do research ;-) To those who waited for my words, I hope to be back with more stories to tell.”
— Irrfan (@irrfank) 16 March 2018
Nafisa Ali: In November last year, the Life In A Metro actress was detected with cancer. The actress, who is suffering with Peritoneal and Ovarian Cancer had shared a picture with Sonia Gandhi and had written, “Just met my precious friend who wished me luck & to get well from my just diagnosed stage 3 cancer.”
Tahira Kashyap: On September 22, 2018, Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife Tahira, had taken to social media and had revealed about suffering from breast cancer. She shared a picture from hospital and wrote, “An opportunity to give competition to the Kardashians just went wasted! A week back I mentioned about ‘my badge of honour’ that I was going to receive. And I did and am happy to share about it with the intention of it being received with love. As that’s the only reason I am posting it. Love for self and gratitude for the universe. The picture might be disturbing for some, but these drains have become my dumbells for a few days. I was detected with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in my right breast with high grade malignant cells. Simply put stage 0 cancer/ pre-cancerous stage, with cancer cells multiplying in a contained area. The result I have become a half Indian version of Angelina Jolie (since only one breast was involved)! I told my doctor now is the time to give some competition to the Kardashians since Pamela is passé. But no one listened to me, so now I have a portion of my back tissue in my breast. Perhaps now I can do chin-ups with my breasts! Jokes apart, this obstacle has given me a new definition of life. Respect it’s unpredictability and have the faith and courage to be the hero of your own drama of life. The invincible human spirit is God like, gives you the courage to endure and the will to revive. There is nothing that human spirit can’t do. Also I want women of all ages to be aware. I am 35, and I was returned twice over from a mammogram. If any symptoms come up, think of it as a protective force and get yourselves examined. Also we are so obsessed with boobs. This mastectomy has left me with even more self love! Big, small, left or right inclined , gravity pulling or defying, or even none, each breast the presence or lack of it has a story to tell. Mine has made me a 2.0 version of myself! This post is dedicated to awareness, self love and resilience of a warrior that I know each one of us possesses❤️ #breastcancerawareness #selflove #determination #faith #bodhisattva #bodhisattvaoftheearth”
Rakesh Roshan: Early this year, Hrithik Roshan shared a picture with his filmmaker-father Rakesh Roshan, where he informed everyone about his dad suffering from throat cancer. With a picture of both of them at a gym, Hrithik had shared the sad news and wrote, “Asked my dad for a picture this morning. 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. As a family we are fortunate and blessed to have a leader like him. Love you Dad.”
Sunaina Roshan: Before Rakesh Roshan, his daughter Sunaina had fought cervical cancer in 2014. A few months back, Sunaina had opened up about her journey and struggle during the phase. She told SpotboyE, “I was clotting a lot in my periods. Mom asked me to consult a doctor. One test led to another. My Dad was informed first, but I sensed before that itself that something was seriously wrong. After sonography, I upfront asked the doctor that has he detected ted cancer? He nodded. Dad used to cry every night. My mom was my Rock Of Gibraltar. And then came the worst day of my life, when I had to shave off my head. I was devastated. Hrithik too felt terrible.”
Manisha Koirala: On 29 November 2012, Koirala was detected with ovarian cancer. Speaking to India Today, the actress had said, “When I first heard the news back in Kathmandu, I was in total disbelief. I couldn't think something as drastic as this would hit me. But in my family we have had [cancer] incidents, so it wasn't surprising. I had just visited my aunt in United States who was battling breast cancer in its early stage. Then there was my dear friend Ashok Mehta.”
Lisa Ray: On 23 June 2009, Lisa was diagnosed multiple myeloma cancer. The model-turned-actress defeated the life threatening disease and came out as a true warrior. She was declared cancer-free in 2010.
Image Source: Instagram/hrithikroshan,iamsonalibendre,tahirakashyap,GoSPB,irrfan