In the latest episode of Koffee with Karan which released this Thursday, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore revealed that she has battled with cancer.
The 79-year-old actress disclosed about her battle against cancer while Karan Johar shared that he wanted to cast her for the role of Jamini, Alia’s grandmother in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’. "I had offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana (Azmi) ji in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'. She was my very first choice. Due to health reasons at that time, she couldn’t say yes but it is a regret I have,” Karan said.
In response, Sharmila said she did not want to risk it as it was during the peak pandemic time. "This is at the height of Covid. They hadn’t really grappled with Covid at that time. They didn’t know about the vaccine, we were not vaccinated. You know, (it was) after my cancer. So, they didn’t want me to take that risk," she said.
Although, Sharmila Tagore did not reveal details about the type of cancer and how long she battled with it. She will be seen in ‘Gulmohar’ starring Manoj Bajpayee.
Also Read: How To Manage Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors? Doctor Explains
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Other famous Indian celebrities have battled and survived cancer
Sonali Bendre:
Sonali Bendre in 2018 was diagnosed with stage four 'metastatic breast cancer’. In an interview she had said that according to the doctors she had only 30% chances of survival. She is now cancer-free and she keeps motivating people battling cancer through social media.
Also Read: Tahira Kashyap To Sonali Bendre, 8 Celebrities Who Fought Cancer
Yuvraj Singh:
Former all rounder of the Indian cricket team, Yuvraj Singh was diagnosed with a rare type of lung cancer ‘mediastinal seminoma’ in 2011. This cancer affects the tissues in the chest between the lungs. He battled the disease and made a comeback in World T20 2012. He established YouWeCan Foundation, a non-profit organisation that empowers people to fight cancer through awareness, prevention and early detection. He is one of the most known cancer survivor celebrities of India.
Sanjay Dutt:
Just a few months after COVID-19 began, Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in August 2020. His initial reaction to the diagnosis was to not take chemotherapy but the 64-year-old actor stood strong and fought with cancer. In October 2020, on the day of his twin kids’ birthday, he revealed that he was cancer free.
Tahira Kashyap:
Tahira Kashyap, filmmaker and Ayushmann Khurrana’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She became cancer-free after completion of the treatment in 2019. She would post images of herself being bald due to the treatment in a way to encourage other cancer patients.