Veteran Bollywood actress Aruna Irani, nearing 80, revealed on June 16, 2025, in an interview with Lehren Retro in Mumbai, that she battled breast cancer twice, first in 2015 and again in 2020. Choosing privacy, she fought the disease discreetly, initially skipping chemotherapy due to fears of hair loss and career disruptions, only to face a relapse. By embracing chemotherapy during her second diagnosis, Irani overcame the disease and remains active and healthy today, showcasing her resilience.
In This Article:
A Storied Career Interrupted by Health Challenges
Aruna Irani, a prolific actress with over 500 films and numerous television roles, has been a household name in Indian cinema since her debut as a child artist in Ganga Jumna (1961). Known for iconic roles in films like Bobby (1973), Caravan (1971), and Beta (1992), she carved a niche with her versatile performances in Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati cinema. However, behind her vibrant on-screen presence, Irani faced significant health battles, including breast cancer, diabetes diagnosed at 60, and a kidney failure scare, which she shared in a candid interview that moved fans and inspired many.
First Diagnosis and the Fear of Chemotherapy
In 2015, while shooting, Irani noticed a lump in her breast, which she insisted on having removed immediately despite initial dismissal by doctors as a minor issue. Post-surgery, her doctors recommended chemotherapy to prevent recurrence, but Irani, then in her late 60s, declined due to concerns about hair loss and skin changes that could impact her acting career. “How would I shoot if I lose my hair?” she recalled asking, opting instead for oral medication. This decision, driven by her commitment to work and fear of side effects, proved costly when the cancer returned in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Irani later admitted, “Meri hi galti thi, as pehle maine chemotherapy nahi lee thi” (It was my mistake, I didn’t take chemotherapy the first time).
Second Battle and Triumph Through Treatment
When the cancer relapsed in March 2020, Irani faced a more advanced medical landscape and chose to follow her doctors’ advice. She underwent chemotherapy, which she noted was less daunting due to improvements in medical technology. “This time around, I took it,” she said, reflecting on how the treatment was more manageable than she had feared. Her decision paid off, as she successfully defeated breast cancer for the second time and emerged healthy. Irani’s story underscores the importance of adhering to medical advice, as she acknowledged that skipping chemotherapy initially led to the recurrence. Today, she remains fit and continues to work, recently appearing in the TV show Jalso, inspiring fans with her resilience.
Additional Health Struggles
Beyond cancer, Irani faced other health challenges. Diagnosed with diabetes at 60, she also experienced a severe scare when doctors informed her that both her kidneys had failed. Fortunately, she recovered without major treatment and maintains her health through careful management. Her ability to overcome these obstacles while maintaining a five-decade-long career highlights her strength and determination.
Lessons from Aruna Irani’s Journey
Irani’s story is not just one of survival but of learning from mistakes. Her initial refusal of chemotherapy due to vanity and career concerns—a relatable fear for many—led to a recurrence that could have been prevented. By sharing her regret, she emphasizes the importance of trusting medical expertise. Her recovery also highlights advancements in cancer treatment, which made her 2020 chemotherapy experience less daunting. Irani’s resilience resonates with others, such as filmmaker Tahira Kashyap, who recently shared her own breast cancer relapse, underscoring the growing openness among public figures about health struggles.
-By Manoj H