From Sana Makbul to Dipika Kakkar: TV actors who were diagnosed with LIFE ALTERING diseases

India Forums brings to you a list of television actors who have battled life altering conditions and have come out strong than before.

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Aanchal Chowdhary

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Sana Makbul, Hina Khan & Dipika Kakkar

In recent months, a wave of honesty and vulnerability has swept through the Hindi television industry, as several popular actors have opened up about being diagnosed with life-altering health conditions. From cancer and liver diseases to chronic autoimmune disorders, these stars are not only facing immense physical challenges but are also breaking the stigma around illness by sharing their stories publicly. Their openness offers hope, strength, and a powerful reminder: even those who light up our screens are fighting silent battles behind the scenes. India Forums brings to you a list of actors who have opened up on suffering from life altering diseases and coming back stronger than ever.

Sana Makbul, Liver Cirrhosis:

Hina Khan

Actress Sana Makbul, known for her win in Bigg Boss OTT 3, shared that she has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, a result of her ongoing struggle with autoimmune hepatitis. “I’ve been living with autoimmune hepatitis for a while now, but recently things got worse. My immune system started attacking my liver more aggressively, and I’ve now been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis,'' Sana told Hindustan Times.

Currently undergoing immunotherapy, Sana is fighting to avoid a liver transplant. “It’s really intense and tiring. Some days are harder than others. But I’m holding on to hope. I just want to get better without needing something so big as a liver transplant.” Despite the toll on her work and daily life, she’s staying strong: “Some days I cry, some days I laugh, but every day, I try.”

Dipika Kakkar Ibrahim, stage 2 Liver Cancer:

Sana Makbul

Dipika Kakar, best known for Sasural Simar Ka and her win on Bigg Boss 12, was diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer. The illness came to light after she experienced constant abdominal pain. She underwent a 14-hour surgery to remove the tumour, a part of her liver.

Her husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, updated fans: “Doctors had to cut a small portion of the liver as the tumour was cancerous.” Dipika is now focusing on her recovery and remains surrounded by love and prayers from her fans.

Hina Khan, stage 3 breast cancer:

Dipika Kakkar

Hina Khan, a household name thanks to shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, recently revealed she has been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Sharing the news through social media, Hina chose to be transparent about her fight, saying: “I have been diagnosed with Stage Three Breast Cancer. Despite this challenging diagnosis, I want to reassure everyone that I am doing well. I am strong, determined, and fully committed to overcoming this disease.” In another heartfelt post, she added: “What do you see in this picture? The scars on my body or the hope in my eyes? The scars are mine; I embrace them with love... I am manifesting my healing. And I am praying for yours too.” Her honesty and strength during treatment — including chemotherapy and surgery — have inspired countless fans and well-wishers. Amidst all this, she also got married to longtime partner Rocky Jaiswal, choosing to celebrate love even in the toughest of times.

Sunil Grover, heart attack:

Sunil Grover

Popular comedian and actor Sunil Grover, known for his iconic roles like ‘Gutthi’, suffered a heart attack in 2022. He underwent four bypass surgeries — a serious health scare that came as a shock to many. ''I was already down with Covid and then this (heart attack) happened. You have to face it and move on in life. Your mind gets clouded with so many different thoughts. Those 1-2 months were mentally tough for me but now I finally feel that everything is fine,'' Sunil told Siddharth Kanan. His quiet recovery and return to work serve as a reminder of the silent battles many fight behind closed doors.

Paras Kalnawat, Spondylitis:

Paras Kalnawat

Paras Kalnawat, loved for his role in Anupamaa, opened up about his diagnosis of spondylitis, a painful spine condition. While it's not life-threatening, it requires constant care and management. Despite the discomfort, Paras continues to work and stay active in the industry, showing that health conditions don’t have to stop one's dreams.

Aishwarya Sakhuja, Tuberculosis, hole in heart & Diabetes:

Aishwarya Sakhuja

Actress Aishwarya Sakhuja has bravely faced multiple health issues over the years — from a hole in the heart as a child, to tuberculosis, facial paralysis, and now type 1 diabetes.

Speaking about her journey, she said: “I always joke with my dad that unhone defective bachcha paida kiya hai... I have suffered from tuberculosis, battled problems in my lymph nodes and even suffered facial paralysis.” Now diagnosed with type 1 diabetes — a condition more common in children — she remains optimistic and grounded.

These actors have done more than just entertain us. By sharing their journeys so openly, they’ve shown that it's okay to be vulnerable, to ask for support, and to keep going — even when things get really hard. Their stories remind us that strength isn’t just about being fearless — it’s about facing fear and fighting through it, one day at a time.

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Sunil Grover Thumbnail

Sunil Grover

Hina Khan Thumbnail

Hina Khan

Dipika Kakkar Ibrahim Thumbnail

Dipika Kakkar Ibrahim

Aishwarya Sakhuja Thumbnail

Aishwarya Sakhuja

Paras Kalnawat Thumbnail

Paras Kalnawat

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Sana Makbul Khan

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