Starting to ask ‘why not me?’ helped me start the healing process – Sonali Bendre on her transformative cancer journey

Actress Sonali Bendre’s journey with metastatic cancer began in 2018, marking a challenging period in her life. In 2018, Sonali received the news of her stage four metastatic cancer diagnosis, prompting her to seek treatment in New York City. Overcoming numerous challenges, she emerged victorious and achieved cancer-free status by 2021. Since her recovery, Sonali Bendre has been actively involved in advocating for cancer awareness and supporting fellow survivors, utilizing her platform to spread positivity and hope. Reflecting on those initial days post-diagnosis, she described feeling like she was trapped in a nightmare, unable to comprehend why such a tragedy had befallen her. 

Sonali Bendre on her changed mindset post cancer

In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Sonali spoke about how she shifted her mindset, embracing the idea of asking “Why not me?”

She said, “When I received my cancer diagnosis, my first thought was, ‘Why me?’ I’d wake up thinking it was all a nightmare; I couldn’t believe that this could happen to me.” It was at this time that Sonali thought of seeing the world from the other way. She added, “Instead of ‘why me?’ I started asking, ‘Why not me?’”

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Despite her diagnosis, Sonali found solace in the support of her loved ones and access to quality medical care. Expressing gratitude for her fortunate circumstances, she acknowledged the resources available to her, including top-tier hospitals and a strong support. This realisation catalysed her healing journey. “I had the resources to go to the best hospitals, and the support system to help me through this. Starting to ask ‘why not me?’ helped me start the healing process,” she added.

Her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, reaffirming the power of positivity and perseverance in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.

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