'Why me?': Sonali Bendre reveals first thoughts after cancer diagnosis
What's the story
Renowned Bollywood actor, Sonali Bendre, recently shared her initial response to her cancer diagnosis during a podcast for Humans of Bombay. She confessed that her first thought was, "Why me?" and she would wake up believing it was all a "nightmare." The actor admitted to struggling with the reality of her situation, unable to comprehend that such an ordeal could happen to her.
Triumph over cancer
Context and background: Bendre's triumph over cancer
For those unaware, in 2018, Bendre was diagnosed with "stage four, metastatic cancer" and sought treatment in a New York City hospital. By 2021, she emerged as a triumphant cancer survivor. Since then, she has been using her platform to raise awareness and provide support for others battling the disease. On Cancer Survivors Day in 2021, she shared an inspiring message on Instagram about not letting the "C word" define one's life.
Mindset change
Bendre's changed perspective initiated her 'healing process'
Bendre revealed how she altered her mindset during this challenging period. She transitioned from asking "Why me?" to "Why not me?" and began feeling grateful that the disease hadn't affected her sister or son. The 49-year-old actor said, "I realized I had the strength to deal with this, I had the resources to go to the best hospitals, and the support system to help me through this." This shift in perspective, she said, initiated her healing process.
Anecdote
When she received hand-me-downs from Pooja Bhatt
Meanwhile, the actor shared an anecdote, reflecting on her experience in the industry. In her hit song from Naraaz (1994), Sambhala Hai Mene, Bendre revealed that all her costumes were hand-me-downs from the main lead Pooja Bhatt. She stated, "When I signed Naraaz, the clothes for the second heroine were the rejects of Pooja. But the advantage of that was her rejects were clothes only I could pull off. Suddenly that one song from Naaraz made me."
Career resurgence
Now, Bendre is restarting her journey on OTT
The 1990s actor, who ruled with her captivating performances, is preparing for her return to the acting world with an upcoming newsroom-drama series, The Broken News 2. She will be sharing the screen with Shriya Pilgaonkar and Jaideep Ahlawat. The series is scheduled to premiere on ZEE5 starting May 3. This marks a significant milestone in Bendre's career, symbolizing her resilience following her battle with cancer.