Manisha Koirala, 42, who won the hearts of millions with memorable films such as Dil Se, Bombay, and 1942 A Love Story recently returned home to India after successfully winning her fight with ovarian cancer.
The actress had announced that she has been diagnosed with cancer last year in November. The following month had shifted to New York to follow up on her treatments. She spent six months in North America undergoing chemotherapy sessions to battle the disease, after which she announced in May this year that she was cancer-free.
Pic taken a day before surgery with mother and sister/@mkoirala
“Ovarian cancer is often not diagnosed early as its symptoms are vague. I used to get exhausted very fast and my stomach had bloated. And one day, I decided to go for a check-up. I don’t remember when it actually began to sink in – the fear… the disbelief,” said the actress in an Interview with Business of Cinema.
However, Koirala is a paragon of strength and symbol of perseverance. Manisha Koirala is not the one to give up. This strong woman never asked herself – why me?
Now she is using this opportunity to write a memoir about her struggle with the disease and the challenges she has had to overcome. She said, “I am meeting publishers. It all started when I began to reflect on the reasons of suffering from this cancer. Medical science says it could be due to excessive lifestyle, excessive radiation and bad eating habits. But, never for a moment did I let any negative thought seep into my mind. I didn’t even ask myself: Why Me?”
On her Facebook page, the vivacious actress wrote, “I burst out crying when I heard 'cancer free’. “I still have a long way to go in regaining my health, slowly and steadily. With your prayers and blessings I received during this phase I am sure that day too will come!!”
Manisha Koirala/ @mkoirala
In an interview with American Bazaar online, Koirala said, “I intend to live a healthier and more peaceful life. I am sure my career will be better too. Yes, I am more focused on the quality of life, more appreciative and mindful of health, my surroundings and the energy of the people around me.”
She has received wide support of friend and family who were with her throughout her tumultuous journey.
Gulshan Grover who has been in touch with Koirala throughout her treatment told Indian Express, "She is in a bright, positive state of mind right now. She faced the situation with a lot of grit, and that comes from the many ups and downs she has faced in her life, including her marriage. She's always been a good actor but I have a feeling that her acting career after this phase will see her as an extraordinary performer. As an artist, she will draw a lot from this experience.”
Pic posted on July 22, "Dad my hero"/@mkoirala
As a cancer survivor, the actress intends to use her celebrity status to raise awareness of the disease and help those who are also fighting this fatal disease.
She said, “All I want to do from now onwards is to be useful to people who could use a little advice. My family and I had no clue how to cope or deal with cancer and its treatments, but since I was a celebrity, people reached out with lot of information. I chose the ones from ex-cancer patients as I knew only they and their caregivers know what it is like to be affected by cancer.”
We wish Manisha a speedy recovery and success in her career and life!
Feature Image:@mkoirala
Source: Businessofcinema.com, Facebook, americanbazaaronline.com, indianexpress.com, ibt.com
Anokhi Blogs, Anokhi Media, Bollywood, Cancer Survivor, Empowered, Gulshan Grover, Indian, Inspirational, Manisha Koirala, Mumbai, New York, Ovarian Cancer Treatment, South Asian, Strong
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