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Veteran actress Aruna Irani has opened up about her deeply personal battle with breast cancer, revealing that she fought the disease not once, but twice, all while keeping her struggles private. The 76-year-old actress, known for her illustrious career in film and television, spoke candidly in a recent interview with Lehren about her health journey, shedding light on the challenges she faced behind the camera.

Aruna's cancer journey

Aruna Irani shared that her first diagnosis came unexpectedly while she was on a film set. Relying on a strong gut feeling, she sensed something was off. “Aise hi ek din shooting kar rahi thi, pata nahi mujhe kaise pata laga par maine bola ‘Mujhe kuch lag raha hai’,” she recalled.

Following her instinct, she consulted a doctor who initially downplayed the concern. Despite the doctor’s assessment, Aruna insisted the lump be removed. Although she was advised to undergo chemotherapy afterward, the veteran actress chose to forgo it, fearing it could jeopardize her appearance and, consequently, her career.

"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 explained.

A Second Diagnosis Before the Pandemic

Years later, in 2020 — just before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic — Aruna’s cancer returned. This time, the actress opted to follow her doctor’s advice fully and began chemotherapy.

"Meri hi galti thi, as pehle maine chemotherapy nahi lee this. This time around, I took it," she admitted. Fortunately, advancements in treatment meant she experienced only minor hair loss, which eventually grew back. “Still, you lose a bit of your hair, but woh jaldi aa bhi jaate hai,” she added.

Beyond cancer, Aruna has also faced other health challenges. She revealed being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 60, and at one point, doctors feared her kidneys had failed. Despite these setbacks, her resilience and positive spirit have remained strong.

Aruna Irani career

Aruna Irani began her acting career in 1961 with 'Ganga Jumna' and soon after appeared in the 1962 classic 'Anpadh'. Over the decades, she has featured in more than 500 films across Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, and Gujarati cinema.

Her presence has also been prominent on the small screen, with notable roles in shows like ‘Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand’, ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki’, ‘Maayka’, ‘Bhagyalakshmi’, and ‘Porus’. Her enduring contribution to Indian entertainment continues to inspire generations.