Aruna Irani reveals she battled breast cancer twice, refused chemo for work: ‘How would I shoot if I lose hair’

Veteran actor Aruna Irani recently opened up about a major health scare from the past. She revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer twice, both times choosing to battle the disease in private. Aruna said the first diagnosis came after she fell unwell while working, which later turned out to be cancer.

Aruna Irani on breast cancer diagnosis

Speaking to Lehren, Aruna recalled how she sensed something was wrong while on a shoot. "Aise hi ek din shooting kar rahi thi, pata nahi mujhe kaise pata laga par maine bola ‘Mujhe kuch lag raha hai’ (One day, I was shooting as usual. I don't know how, but I just felt something and said, 'I feel like something's wrong')," she said.

Upon consulting a doctor, she was told the lump was minor. However, she insisted on having it removed immediately.

Although doctors recommended chemotherapy, the actor declined, fearing it would affect her appearance and impact her acting 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 said.

When Aruna Irani's cancer returned

Aruna Irani's cancer returned in 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, she decided to follow the doctor's advice and undergo chemotherapy. “Meri hi galti thi, as pehle maine chemotherapy nahi lee this (It was my fault because I did not opt for chemotherapy the first time). This time around, I took it,” she shared.

She said that by then, chemotherapy had become more advanced. Although Aruna experienced some hair loss, it grew back with time. “Still, you lose a bit of your hair, but woh jaldi aa bhi jaate hai (it grows back quickly)," she added.

In addition to her battle with cancer, Aruna was diagnosed with diabetes at 60. At one point, doctors even told her that her kidneys had failed.

Aruna Irani's film and TV career

Aruna Irani made her acting debut at a young age in the 1961 film Ganga Jumna. Later, she appeared in the 1962 film Anpadh. She has acted in more than 500 films in Hindi, Kannada, Marathi and Gujarati. 

She also appeared in several TV shows such as Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, Tum Bin Jaaoon Kahaan, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Dekha Ek Khwaab, Maayka, and Naaginn. She also starred in Jhansi Ki Rani, Sanskaar – Dharohar Apno Ki, Bhagyalakshmi, and Porus.