Nafisa Ali Sodhi's Inspiring Battle with Cancer and Her Healing Sanctuary in Goa
For veteran actress Nafisa Ali Sodhi, the battle against cancer has been a profound journey of resilience and rediscovery. First diagnosed in 2018, she made a life-altering decision to leave the bustling city of Delhi and return to her ancestral roots in Goa, which she now describes as her personal sanctuary.
"The air here is very healing," Nafisa reflects, emphasizing how this pivotal move coincided with one of the most challenging phases of her life. This relocation marked the beginning of a transformative healing process that has reshaped her perspective on health and happiness.
A Life Reclaimed Through Nature's Embrace
Today, Nafisa resides in Camurlim, a serene village approximately 10 kilometers from Mapusa in Goa. Her home, enveloped by lush greenery, has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Birds, monkeys, reptiles, and even snakes are regular visitors to her property.
"I've planted so many trees that it feels like a jungle. It attracts wildlife, and I love it. It's home to so many beings," she shares with a warm smile. This deep connection with nature has played a crucial role in her recovery, with the greenery, fresh air, and slower pace of life serving as silent healers during her convalescence.
Ancestral Ties and Emotional Connections to Goa
Nafisa's bond with Goa extends beyond her recent move—it is deeply rooted in her family history. "My great-grandmother was Goan," she reveals, though she is uncertain if any relatives still reside in the region.
She recounts a poignant family story: "My great-grandmother married an Englishman from the British Railways. When he passed away, he was laid to rest on church property in Ranthambore, Rajasthan. I made sure to take my mother and aunt to visit his grave. It was a very emotional journey for us." This ancestral connection adds a layer of personal significance to her healing journey in Goa.
The Healing Power of the Sea and Personal Rituals
Following her diagnosis with stage 3 peritoneal cancer, Nafisa underwent chemotherapy and surgery in 2018, which left her physically weakened. She moved to Goa to recuperate, staying in a beach cottage in Ashwem constructed by her daughter, Armana Sodhi, and son-in-law, Adil Akoi.
"I would walk to the beach every day—that's where my healing began," she recalls. What started as short, difficult walks gradually extended into longer journeys, eventually spanning from Ashwem to Morjim.
At Morjim, a cross on the beach became her symbolic source of strength. "It gave me the courage to keep going," she explains. When Cyclone Tauktae washed the cross away, she wrote letters and made repeated appeals until it was restored, demonstrating her determination and spiritual connection to the location.
Family Support and Normalizing the Cancer Journey
Throughout her health challenges, Nafisa's family has been her unwavering pillar of support. "My family is phenomenal; they are my biggest supporters," she states gratefully.
In a touching effort to normalize her illness for her grandchildren, she involved them directly in her journey. She asked them to help shave her head during chemotherapy—a gesture that transformed a painful experience into one of bonding and understanding.
"Now even the younger ones have done it, so they don't feel left out," she notes, adding that her doctors have also become like close friends through this shared experience.
Maintaining Passion for Cinema Despite Health Challenges
Despite her ongoing health journey, Nafisa remains passionate about her acting career. "I appear very rarely. Right now, no one will cast me without hair, but I'll wait for it to grow," she remarks with characteristic humor and patience.
She had initially signed two film projects but had to step away due to her treatment schedule. Yet her artistic spirit remains undeterred. "I'm not a star. I'm a comet—I come, I shine, and I go," says the actress known for her roles in Junoon and Life In A... Metro, encapsulating her philosophical approach to both her career and her health journey.
