Every year World Cancer Day is organized and marked to raise awareness about the deadly disease of cancer. This year this day completes its 20th anniversary and is being celebrated with the theme ‘I am and I will’, implying that cancer could be defeated. Many Indian celebrities have defeated this deadly disease and stand stronger to inspire people who were dealing with cancer. Let’s talk about Indian celebrities who came over cancer to start their life afresh.
Sonali Bendre
The world was left shocked after actress Sonali Bendre took to Twitter to announce that she is suffering from Metastatic Cancer. Sonali moved to New York for treatment but even in those days she continued to live life to fullest and inspired many. Sonali finally defeated and came over cancer.
Manisha Koirala
Manisha Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and she too moved New York for the treatment. After multiple chemotherapies and surgeries Manisha defeated cancer in 2015.
Rishi Kapoor
Rishi Kapoor was diagnosed with cancer in December 2018 after which he moved to the US with wife Neetu Singh for treatment. Initially, there was no confirmation about his ailment but later it was confirmed to be bone marrow cancer. After spending almost a year away from his home Rishi Kapoor finally returned back to India in October 2019.
Irrfan Khan
Actor Irrfan Khan was diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumour which kept him away from his fans and silver screen. Khan underwent treatment in London and defeated the disease. Meanwhile, Irrfan kept away from all media and limelight and focused on his health. After defeating cancer, Irrfan returned to shoot his next film Angrezi Medium in April 2019.
Anurag Basu
Director Anurag Basu was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic Leukemia a type of blood cancer in 2004. Roads seemed closed for his recovery and doctors had given him an ultimatum of two moths, however, Anurag defeated cancer with his will and medical treatment.
Mumtaz: Breast Cancer
The veteran beauty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, when she was 54-years-old. 6 chemotherapies and 35 radiations later, she managed to hold and was quoted telling Bangalore times: “I don’t give up easily. Even death will have to fight me.” She followed a tight regime to get back in shape and can still turn heads with her charm.
Nargis Dutt

Rajesh Khanna

Kamaal Rashid Khan

Yuvraj Singh
While playing the World Cup in 2011, in which he won the Player of the Tournament award, Yuvraj had bouts of blood vomiting, nausea and breathing issues. After the tournament, he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his left lung (stage 1) and underwent chemotherapy in the USA. In March 2012, he returned to India and was even part of the 2012 T20 World Cup after recovery.