Actor Sonali Bendre, who was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cancer in 2018, has once again spoken about her journey and the lessons it brought. After undergoing intensive treatment in New York, including chemotherapy and surgery, she emerged stronger and continues to use her voice to raise awareness around the illness.Opening up about where she found the strength to fight, Sonali shared, “I had a great support system, and that was my strength. I am sure there are a lot of people who are transparent about it. I just happened to be more well-known than them.” She also recalled how speaking publicly about her illness made her realise how little people openly discussed cancer.
Sonali Bendre breaking silence around Cancer
Highlighting the stigma that once surrounded the disease, she said, “It was a taboo subject, and I did not realise it. They were mentioning this as the C disease. They wouldn’t even name it.” Sonali emphasised how awareness and open conversations were missing when she needed them the most.Reflecting on her diagnosis, the actor admitted that things could have been different with timely detection. “What I realised was, for me, I needn’t have reached the fourth stage. Had I tested and detected it early, I needn’t have gone through the hardship that I went through,” she said. She also underlined that cancer, when caught early, is treatable and “not a death sentence.”Sonali believes her public platform helped push a much-needed conversation forward. “That’s what I realised: that when I am in the public eye, maybe that’s what I can give back. I can bring about a conversation around it,” she said, adding that the change in awareness over the past seven years has been significant.She expressed satisfaction over the growing awareness, saying, “The way people are talking about it now, the way they are getting tested, it was not the case before. That I am happy about; I feel like it is the only thing I have done in my life.” Her journey, she believes, has contributed to encouraging more people to prioritise early detection.
Sonali Bendre’s work front
Now cancer-free after achieving remission, Sonali continues to stay active professionally and personally. She was last seen in the web series ‘The Broken News’ (2024) and also runs a book club while hosting ‘The Happy Pawdcast’, a podcast centred on pet care and animal welfare.Disclaimer: This article contains mention of cancer and personal experiences related to the disease, which readers may find sensitive. The information shared is based on personal accounts or reported events and is for general awareness only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.