Fighting “high grade” cancer, actor Sonali Bendre reveals

She is the second Bollywood star in the last few months after Irrfan to talk about fighting cancer

Days after actor Irrfan declared that his neuroendocrine tumour is malignant, Bollywood sprung yet another bad news with actor Sonali Bendre Behl’s revelation that she had been diagnosed with “high grade” cancer. Behl said in statement that she is currently undergoing treatment in New York.

“Sometimes, when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with a high grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them,” Behl (43) said in a statement.

Behl made a mark in movies such as Diljale and Sarfarosh. Her appearance in the song “Humma humma” in Bombay much before item songs became a Bollywood staple was among the most stylised outings of that age.

“I’m taking this battle head on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me”

“There is no better way to tackle this, than to take swift and immediate action. And so, as advised by my doctors, I am currently undergoing a course of treatment in New York. We remain optimistic and I am determined to fight every step of the way… I’m taking this battle head on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me,” Behl added. However the actor who has been doing a lot of television of late did not reveal what kind of cancer she had. She thanked family and friends for the “immense outpouring of love and support”.

She is married to filmmaker Goldie Behl. The couple has a 13-year-old son, Ranveer.