New Delhi: It is World Cancer Day today. The aim is to inform and encourage people on its prevention, early detection, and treatment. The day spells hope for those battling cancer. The journey of those who have overcome it shows a ray of light to people who are undergoing treatment and perhaps despairing. The impact is always much more and better when celebs share their stories of struggle. In India, celebs most often mean Bollywood actors and actresses who are looked upon for inspiration.
Manisha Koirala
Sharing some pictures from the time she was treated with the disease and some images post her recovery, the ‘Khamoshi’ actress opened up on her journey of battling cancer.
She wrote, “I want to wish everyone who is going through this arduous journey of cancer treatment, a lot of love and success. 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. We need to spread awareness on the disease and all the stories that are filled with hope need to be told and retold. Let’s be kind to ourselves and to the world. I’d pray for everyone’s health and wellbeing. Thank you (sic).”
The post has gone viral on social media, with many hailing Manisha’s arduous cancer battle.
Lisa Ray
Way back in 2009, the actress-model was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, a rare disease On Christmas in 2009, Ray received a stem cell transplant to treat her rare cancer. In April 2010, she announced she was cancer-free due to the transplant.
Mumtaz
The yesteryear actress and heartthrob of many was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 at the age of 54. Six chemotherapies and 35 radiations later, the bubbly actress managed to win the battle against cancer even when she was in her 50s. She was quoted telling Bangalore times, “I don’t give up easily. Even death will have to fight me.” She followed a tight regime to get her health back. She has been an advocate for breast cancer survivors, and has appeared in the documentary 1 a Minute (2010).
Kirron Kher
The politician and actress was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She has been open about her experiences in several interviews and mentioned that she kept busy with work and friends during her treatment and of course with her husband Anupam Kher by her side. On Saturday, the MP inaugurated a new community centre in Mauli Jagran virtually. She also laid the foundation stone of another community centre to come up in Sector 35.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife, Tahira, who is now cancer-free is another survivor who has not shied away from sharing her cancer story. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and had her final chemotherapy session in January 2019. Tahira continues to live an active personal and professional life.
