Veteran actress Aruna Irani, a name synonymous with grace and longevity in the Indian entertainment industry, recently made a heartfelt revelation about her private battle with breast cancer. In a candid interview, the legendary actor shared how she fought cancer not once but twice, silently enduring the struggle while continuing her work commitments.
Known for her iconic roles in over 500 films across Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Kannada cinema, as well as popular Indian television shows, Aruna Irani’s inspiring journey is a story of resilience, strength, and dedication to her craft.
Aruna Irani’s First Encounter with Breast Cancer
Aruna Irani shared that her health scare began during her active working days in the industry. It was during a routine shooting day that she sensed something was amiss with her health.
“Aise hi ek din shooting kar rahi thi, pata nahi mujhe kaise pata laga par maine bola ‘Mujhe kuch lag raha hai’,” she said, describing how intuition led her to suspect something wrong. (“One day while shooting, I don’t know how, but I just felt something was wrong.”)
Upon medical consultation, doctors initially detected a minor lump, dismissing it as something non-serious. However, Aruna, acting on her gut feeling, insisted on having it removed immediately. The diagnosis later confirmed breast cancer.
Why Aruna Irani Refused Chemotherapy the First Time
Despite the diagnosis, Aruna Irani chose not to undergo chemotherapy during her first battle with cancer. The reason was her commitment to work and her fear of losing hair, which she felt could adversely affect her career in front of the camera.
“Then the doctor said you will have to take a pill and I chose that as I was working. How would I shoot if I lose my hair,” she admitted honestly.
Opting for medication alone without chemotherapy worked for a while, but unfortunately, cancer returned later due to incomplete treatment.
Cancer Returned in 2020: The Tougher Battle
In 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Aruna Irani was diagnosed with breast cancer once again. This time, she realized the gravity of the situation and decided to go for full treatment, including chemotherapy.
“Meri hi galti thi, as pehle maine chemotherapy nahi lee thi. (It was my mistake for not opting for chemotherapy the first time),” she confessed.
Fortunately, by 2020, chemotherapy techniques had improved significantly. Though she experienced temporary hair loss, Aruna emphasized that the hair grew back relatively quickly. Her candid admission reflects both her vulnerability and strength in dealing with a life-threatening disease.
Aruna Irani’s Other Health Challenges
Apart from battling cancer, Aruna also revealed that she was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 60. At one point, her doctors even suspected that her kidneys had failed, adding another layer of health battles to her life story. Despite these challenges, she has continued to maintain an active professional and personal life, inspiring millions of her fans.
Aruna Irani’s Glorious Acting Career: Films and TV Shows
Aruna Irani’s acting career began at the age of 9 with the 1961 film Ganga Jumna. Her early exposure to cinema paved the way for a remarkable journey spanning decades. Some of her early works include:
- Anpadh (1962)
- Upkar (1967)
- Caravan (1971) – For which she received a Filmfare nomination
- Bobby (1973)
- Beta (1992) – She won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress
In total, she has appeared in more than 500 films across multiple languages including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Kannada.
Popular TV Shows
Apart from films, Aruna Irani also became a household name with her presence on television. Some of her most popular TV shows include:
- Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand
- Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan
- Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki
- Dekha Ek Khwaab
- Jhansi Ki Rani
- Sanskaar – Dharohar Apno Ki
- Bhagyalakshmi
- Porus
Aruna Irani’s ability to effortlessly switch between films and television is a testament to her versatility as an actor.
Aruna Irani: An Inspiration for Millions
Aruna Irani’s story is not just about her career achievements but also about her fighting spirit. By bravely sharing her breast cancer journey, she has set an example for countless others battling health challenges while managing personal and professional responsibilities.
Today, at over 75 years old, she remains a symbol of resilience in Indian cinema, with a career that few can match in longevity or diversity.
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