From Kirron Kher to Hina Khan: TV Celebrities Who Fought and Survived Cancer
Facing a cancer diagnosis demands extraordinary courage, particularly when living under the constant scrutiny of the public eye. These remarkable television personalities have not only confronted their health battles with immense bravery but have also chosen to share their deeply personal journeys with transparency and grace. By openly documenting their treatments, emotional struggles, and triumphs, they have transformed their platforms into powerful tools for raising awareness and offering hope to millions of fans across the globe.
Their compelling narratives underscore a vital message: resilience, coupled with a positive mindset, can profoundly influence one's healing journey. Here, we delve into the inspiring stories of these celebrities who turned their personal battles into beacons of strength and inspiration.
Kirron Kher: A Veteran's Battle with Multiple Myeloma
Esteemed actor and beloved India’s Got Talent judge Kirron Kher received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in 2021. Throughout her extensive treatment regimen, she remarkably continued to fulfill her professional and political responsibilities, demonstrating unwavering dedication.
In an interview with ETimes, Kirron reflected, “It’s not the ideal situation to be in. Par yeh zindagi hai. One learns to deal with it and carry on.” She further elaborated on the challenges, stating, “Nobody likes going through the treatment or its side effects.” Notably, her resilience shone through when she virtually inaugurated an oxygen plant from her hospital bed, proving that maintaining a sense of purpose and positivity can significantly aid the healing process, even when one's immunity is severely compromised.
Hina Khan: Raising Awareness on Breast Cancer
Hina Khan, who captured hearts nationwide as Akshara in the iconic series Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, publicly revealed her Stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis in 2024. She has since become a vocal advocate for the critical importance of listening to one's body and recognizing early warning signs.
Speaking to ETimes, Hina emphasized, “We need to listen to our bodies; they give us signals. I didn’t have a lump, so this was a signal.” Urging heightened vigilance, she added, “We all get different kinds of signals… we have to understand that kuch toh galat hai.” Despite her diagnosis, Hina continues to actively participate in work and public events, sparking a global dialogue on early detection and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
Vibhu Raghave: Dreaming Big Amidst a Rare Diagnosis
Vibhu Raghave, who gained fame for his role as Saurav in Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, was diagnosed with a rare Stage 4 neuroendocrine colon cancer in 2022. He courageously documented his aggressive treatment journey on social media, often sharing moments with a persistent and inspiring smile.
Vibhu shared with ETimes, “I try to make the most of each day I have now. The illness cannot stop me from dreaming big.” He candidly admitted to initially questioning why this happened to him, but found solace in the support system around him, saying, “There is so much love and effort coming from friends and family that it helps me keep my spirits high.” Each night, he practiced visualization techniques, focusing on turning his dreams into reality despite the formidable challenges of his battle.
Chhavi Mittal: Turning Scars into Medals of Honour
Chhavi Mittal, renowned for her performances in Tumhari Disha and Krishnadasi, discovered she had breast cancer following a biopsy prompted by a gym injury. She confronted the diagnosis with remarkable mental fortitude and clarity.
She told ETimes, “Breast cancer can be cured if detected early. My scars are my medals of honour.” Demonstrating her proactive approach, when her doctor requested a meeting, she immediately inquired, “Do I have cancer?” She even chose to attend a script meeting prior to her appointment, telling her husband, “We will stick to our schedule and meet the doctor after a day or two.” Today, Chhavi is an active educator, passionately advocating for women's health through self-examination and the importance of early diagnosis.
Deepika Kakkar: Advocating for Mental Strength and Positivity
Deepika Kakkar, who won immense popularity as Simar in Sasural Simar Ka, recently discussed themes of health and resilience on Bharti Singh’s podcast. She encouraged her fans to remain strong during difficult times, offering heartfelt advice.
She expressed, “I know so many people are dealing with situations far more serious than mine. Choose life. Choose happiness.” Deepika firmly believes in confronting every obstacle with faith, adding, “Face everything with strength, and hold on to your faith in God. That’s all.” While she maintains a healthy lifestyle, her core message centers on cultivating mental resilience and the transformative power of choosing positivity in the face of life's challenges.
Dolly Sohi: A Legacy of Courage and Strength
Dolly Sohi, best remembered for her lead roles in Bhabhi and Jhanak, battled cervical cancer with immense courage while simultaneously raising her young daughter. She initially overlooked her symptoms for several months until the pain became unbearable.
Dolly shared with ETimes, “I have no other choice but to stay strong. If I feel weak, then it would get weaker with the treatment too.” She decided to share her diagnosis publicly to feel “light and energetic.” Reflecting on her journey, she later added, “Initially, I was in a terrible state and didn’t feel like talking to anyone. Later, I gathered myself and healed from it.” Tragically, Dolly passed away in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and an enduring inspiration for many.
These television celebrities have not only fought their personal battles with cancer but have also illuminated the path for others through their openness and advocacy. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit's capacity for resilience, the importance of early detection, and the profound impact of sharing one's journey to foster hope and awareness in society.
