Bollywood and television veteran Aruna Irani recently revealed that she fought breast cancer not once, but twice, choosing to keep both battles private. In a candid conversation, the actress opened up about the health challenges she faced, including a cancer relapse and diabetes diagnosis, all while continuing her illustrious career in film and television.
First cancer diagnosis
Aruna Irani shared that her first encounter with breast cancer occurred unexpectedly during a shoot. She recalled a moment when she intuitively felt something was wrong. Despite doctors initially assuring her that the lump was minor, she insisted on getting it surgically removed.
“I was shooting one day and suddenly felt uneasy. I just sensed that something wasn’t right,” ( "Aise hi ek din shooting kar rahi thi, pata nahi mujhe kaise pata laga par maine bola ‘Mujhe kuch lag raha hai’ ) she said during an interview with Lehren. Though chemotherapy was recommended, Aruna opted for medication instead, worried about the side effects-especially hair loss-which she feared might impact her on-screen presence.
Cancer strikes again in 2020
The second blow came in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, Irani chose to undergo chemotherapy, acknowledging that avoiding it earlier may have been a mistake. “It was my fault for not taking chemo the first time,” she admitted. Advances in medical treatments helped her cope better this time. Though she did experience some hair loss, she noted that her hair regrew relatively quickly.
In addition to her cancer struggles, Aruna Irani was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 60. Her health took another serious turn when doctors warned her of potential kidney failure. Despite these setbacks, she remained resilient, focusing on recovery and maintaining a positive outlook.
A glorious career spanning decades
Starting her career as a child actor in Ganga Jumna (1961), Aruna Irani went on to become one of Indian cinema's most prolific actors. With over 500 films across Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, and Gujarati languages, she carved a niche for herself with versatile roles in films like Anpadh, Caravan, Beta, and Bombay to Goa.
On television, she became a household name with hit serials such as Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan, Jhansi Ki Rani, Naaginn, and Porus.
