World Cancer Day 2024 – Sonali Bendre to Heeramandi’s Manisha Koirala, meet celebs who are cancer survivors

February 4 (Sunday) marks World Cancer Day, and India witnessed a visible spike in the number of cancer patients in the last 2–3 years, with breast cancer topping the list. The World Health Organization's division The Global Cancer Observatory report observed a sharp surge in the rise of cancer diagnoses, with over 14 lakh cases and nine lakh people losing their lives over the merciless disease in 2022. On this special day of awareness, let’s look back at some of the courageous cancer survivors in the entertainment industry who emerged victorious over the deadly disease and continue to inspire people around the world. It features renowned actress Sonali Bendre and Heeramandi’s ensemble lead, Manisha Koirala.

Celebs who defeated cancer

Cancer is a life-threatening disease that not only aims to target physical health but also takes a toll on one’s mental health. However, there are some Bollywood celebrities who have inspired millions of people to battle the disease with their strong fighting spirit.

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Sonali Bendre

The charismatic actress and reality show judge is renowned for starring in many films like Diljale, Hum Saath Saath Hai, and Kal Ho Na Ho. She also appeared as a judge in talent shows like India's Best Dramebaaz and India's Got Talent. What adds to her personality is her strong will, which led her to defeat stage 4 metastatic cancer in 2018. She emerged victorious and is now as strong as ever!

Also Read: Veteran actor Junior Mehmood succumbs to stomach cancer at 67 

Anurag Basu

Acclaimed filmmaker and dance reality show judge Anurag Basu also experienced a close encounter when he was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2004. His family’s life was turned upside down when doctors gave him a time limit, but the Barfi director defeated the fatal illness and is now cancer-free.

Manisha Koirala

The seasoned actress, who is currently gearing up for the highly anticipated period drama film Heeramandi, helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has also defeated cancer in the past. Manisha Koirala suffered from ovarian cancer in 2012 and went to the US for chemotherapy and cancer treatment. After battling the malignant disease, Koirala participated in several awareness campaigns to guide others.

Also Read: Heeramandi: Manisha Koirala reunites with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after Khamoshi; calls the series a ‘turning point’ 

Tahira Kashyap

Filmmaker and author of ‘7 Sins of Being a Mother’ Tahira Kashyap was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She bravely fought the disease and also sported a bald look to inspire other cancer survivors around the world. On the special occasion of World Cancer Day, her husband and actor, Ayushmann Khurrana, penned an adorable post for his college sweetheart.

Kirron Kher

The veteran actress who is renowned for emotionally driven characters also battled cancer, and her husband, Anupam Kher, stood behind her in the difficult face of life. In 2021, her actor husband Anupam Kher shared the health update and revealed that the beloved India’s Got Talent judge suffered from multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer.

While these celebrities shone brighter than ever after defeating the deadly disease, some actors like Rishi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, and Irrfan Khan lost the battle and left a void in the glam industry.