World Cancer Day! Sanjay Dutt, Sonali Bendre, Rakesh Roshan: Celebs who emerged victorious in the battle against the Big C

There was a time when actors had to maintain a façade of glamour by keeping stories of their trials and tribulations a secret. But now, they use their reach as celebrities to inspire millions of people by detailing their journey. Over the years, many celebs have opened up about their battle with cancer. On World Cancer Day today, we take a look at courageous Bollywood celebrities who beat cancer and inspired people to follow their lead.

Sonali Bendre's life changed forever when she was diagnosed with high-grade cancer that had metastasized. After sharing the news on social media, the actress jetted off to New York for treatment. All through the trying times, she put up a brave front and offered an insight into how love can triumph even in the most distressing times. With her grit and determination, the actress was able to win over cancer and returned to India in December 2018. She has been leading a healthy life since and has also resumed work.

Pic: Instagram

When Manisha Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she, too, moved to New York for treatment. After multiple chemotherapies and surgeries the actress defeated cancer in 2015. Five years later, Manisha made her comeback in films with ‘Dear Maya’ in 2017 and also penned a book titled, ‘Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life’ to chronicle her battle.

Pic: Instagram

Ayushmann Khurrana’s author-wife Tahira Kashyap was diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer in 2018. She had to undergo a mastectomy and chemotherapy, before finally being declared cancer-free. Ever since then, Tahira has taken it upon herself to inspire those battling the infliction.

Pic: Instagram

Last year, news of Sanjay Dutt being diagnosed with lung cancer came as a shock to everyone. The actor also announced a sabbatical on social media in August. But after a round of treatments right here in Mumbai, he returned cancer-free in October and has now resumed the shoot of all his upcoming films. He also got himself a hair makeover after emerging victorious.

Hrithik Roshan had first shared news that his director dad had been diagnosed with early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat and that he was undergoing surgery to treat the same. The superstar also added that even after the diagnosis, Roshan Sr was concentrating on remaining positive and at his fittest best, not missing the gym even on the day of the surgery.

Pic: Instagram