Read these inspiring stories of Bollywood celebs Manisha Koirala, Sonali Bendre and others on how they beat cancer
First Published: 31st August, 2023 14:35 IST
Let's take a look at some of the Bollywood celebrities who survived cancer and become source of inspiration to everyone
Fighting cancer is one of the most difficult battles one may face in his/her life. Cancer impacts both mental and physical strength of a person. Going through a chaotic and arduous process of medications and treatments requires enormous courage, which is why those who endured this path of misfortune and suffering are referred to be warriors.
Let’s take a look at some of the most Bollywood celebrities who survived cancer and become source of inspiration to everyone struggling with cancer.
- Kirron Kher

Veteran actor and a well-known politician Kirron Kher was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a kind of blood cancer in April 2021. Despite having such a serious illness, she continued to work and refused to let the disease take her. The actor continued to visit hospital once a month for maintenance therapy. The actor had previously said, “It’s not the ideal situation to be in.” Par yeh zindagi hai. One learns to deal with it and move on. There is no alternative but to treat it. Nobody enjoys the treatment or its negative effects.”
2.Manisha Koirala

Manisha Koirala, one of India’s leading film actors during 90s was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. The actor had previously said that there was a point when she felt hopeless and began preparing herself to say goodbye to everyone and everything. She received her treatment in New York. In April 30, 2013, Manisha received her last round of chemotherapy and was declared cancer free by Dr. Makker. She opened up about her journey through an autobiography titled Healed.
3.Lisa Ray

Lisa Ray, a Canadian-Indian actress and model, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an aggressive cancer of white blood cells called plasma cells, in 2009. The actor was declared cancer free in 2010. Speaking about her cancer journey, Lisa has earlier explained how cancer changed things in her life. She described her stem cell operation as being on the verge of death and then being reborn.
She described her nearly one-year fight with cancer in her book titled Close to The Bone: A Memoir.
4.Sonali Bendre

An actor, author who also hosted several reality TV shows, Sonali Bendre was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in 2018 and received treatment in New York and Mumbai, including chemotherapy and surgery. In January 2019, she announced that she was in remission and had returned to India. Bendre has stated that she is glad for having access to appropriate medical care as well as the support of her friends and family, both of which have been critical to her rehabilitation.
5.Anurag Basu

Filmmaker Anurag Basu, was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2004 when his wife was about 7 months pregnant with their daughter Ishana. Doctors had even told him that he had only two weeks left to live.
The filmmaker was shifted from hospital to hospital because no treatment was working on him, until he was finally brought to Tata Memorial Hospital.
Despite the odds being stacked against him, he survived and produced some of Bollywood’s best films, including Barfi.
Recalling how he battled through the situation, Basu said that it was the scariest phase of his life. He had to work despite his deteriorating health as he needed money for his treatment.
6.Sanjay Dutt

The ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ star Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with stage-4 lung cancer in 2020.
He went through hours of chemo cycles and received treatment in Dubai. 6 months later, he announced that he is cancer-free.
Recalling about his tough time, the actor said that the news came as a shock to him and his life exploded before him and his first reaction was to say that he did not want chemotherapy.
Sanjay Dutt soon realised that his family was disintegrating and that he needed to be strong for them. He then decided to fight the condition at that point, and he was successful.
7.Rakesh Roshan

Rakesh Roshan, the father of Hrithik Roshan, is a multi-talented acclaimed director who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of throat cancer, in 2018.
Rakesh’s lifestyle has changed because of his cancer struggle, and he has become more disciplined.
“We must fight this disease with a strong mind.” “The victory had to be won through the triumph of mind over matter,” he said.
After overcoming the terrible disease, he is now leading a healthy lifestyle.
8.Mahima Chaudhry

‘Pardes’ actor Mahima Chaudhry was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. The new was revealed after actor Anupam Kher posted a video on his Instagram handle in which Chaudhry spoke with Kher about her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Chaudhary said she had no symptoms of cancer and it was diagnosed in her routine yearly checkups.
She received her treatment in America where she underwent chemotherapy. She is now totally fine and recovered.
Also Read: Super Blue Moon 2023: When, where and how to watch live
COMMENTS

TOPMOST STORY NOW

Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025WE RECOMMEND

Trouble for Diljit Dosanjh, Sunny Deol-Starrer ‘Border 2’? Western India Cine Employees Federation Writes to Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah Not to Allow Shooting at NDA
The film union body has requested Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh to "withdraw" any permission granted to the 'Border 2' makers for filming in its premises
27th June 2025
“Tough times don’t last”: Kareena Kapoor pens uplifting birthday note for sister Karisma Kapoor
Along with the heartfelt note, Kareena Kapoor shared a candid picture of her husband, Saif Ali Khan and Karisma.
26th June 2025
From Reality Show to Horror, Chum Darang’s Transformation in Khauf Stuns Viewers
Chum Darang brings a haunting depth to the character of Svetlana, a mysterious figure tied to the dark secrets.
19th April 2025
From Takeoff to Touchdown: Here’s Priyanka Chopra’s Mid-Air Beauty Secret
Priyanka Chopra continues to redefine jet-set glamour, proving once again that beauty never takes a backseat even at 30,000 feet.
19th April 2025
Popular Assamese YouTuber Dimpu Baruah to Share Big Screen With Arbaaz Khan in Debut Film ‘Bihu Attack’
Dimpu Baruah will share screen space with actors Arbaaz Khan, Dev Menaria, Daisy Shah, Yukti Kapoor, and Assamese actress-model Aimee Misobbah
07th April 2025