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Dubai: Sonali Bendre has continuously shared her journey of battling cancer with her fans through social media and her latest update has triggered an outpouring of wishes and appreciation.

The actress’ latest Instagram post is all about loving one’s self and self-acceptance. She also took the opportunity to thank her friends who have been by her side as she fights the illness.

In this particular post the star thanked actress Priyanka Chopra for introducing her to her hairstylist.

The video depicted the hairstyles she has had since getting diagnosed with cancer with a lengthy caption that included, “No one can tell you what’s right or wrong for you. When I was testing out the wigs, I had a brief moment of self-doubt... ‘Am I vain for wanting to look good?’ As part of the entertainment industry, you’re always expected to look good... Maybe that has been ingrained in me? But then I gave it a thought and I realised I like looking good for me. If I’m in the mood to wear a scarf, I will. If I want to walk around bald and free, I will. Only you know what would make you feel good, and what works best for you…”

In the clip Bendre is seen with her celebrity friends like fashion designer and actor Hrithik Roshan’s former wife Sussanne Khan. The video also debuts a look Bendre is going for – a long brunette wig as well as shows the actress in hats, a head wrap and sporting a completely bald head.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

"Vanity is my favourite sin." - Al Pacino Well, it might not be my all-time favourite sin (that would be gluttony 😋), but who doesn't like looking good? The way we look has a profound psychological impact on us... A little vanity here and there does no one any harm. It's important to do what makes you happy, even if it's something as simple as wearing a wig, bright red lipstick, high heels.... All that white noise doesn't make a difference in the larger picture. No one can tell you what's right or wrong for you. When I was testing out the wigs, I had a brief moment of self-doubt... "Am I vain for wanting to look good?" As part of the entertainment industry, you're always expected to look good... Maybe that has been ingrained in me? But then I gave it a thought and I realized I like looking good for me. If I'm in the mood to wear a scarf, I will. If I want to walk around bald and free, I will. Only you know what would make you feel good, and what works best for you. So take every opportunity you can to #SwitchOnTheSunshine. #OneDayAtATime 🙏🌞 Thank you @priyankachopra for connecting me with the amazing @bokheehair, who created my new look.

A post shared by Sonali Bendre (@iamsonalibendre) on

 

Bendre’s journey with cancer so far

The 43-year-old first revealed to her virtual fan base that she had cancer, in July, through social media posts. In an Instagram post she shared on July 4, she wrote: “@iamsonalibendreSometimes: When you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with a high grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis...”

However, ending the post on a positive note, she added: “We remain optimistic and I am determined to fight every step of the way. What has helped has been the immense outpouring of love and support I’ve received over the past few days, for which I am very grateful. I’m taking this battle head on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sometimes, when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with a high grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them. There is no better way to tackle this, than to take swift and immediate action. And so, as advised by my doctors, I am currently undergoing a course of treatment in New York. We remain optimistic and I am determined to fight every step of the way. What has helped has been the immense outpouring of love and support I’ve received over the past few days, for which I am very grateful. I’m taking this battle head on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me.

A post shared by Sonali Bendre (@iamsonalibendre) on

A few days later, Bendre gave netizens a look into the transition her hair went through. In an Instagram post she thanked her hairdresser for a new and drastically short haircut from her typically long locks. She also took the opportunity to thank her supporters: “…Your stories have given me an extra dosage of strength and courage, and more importantly, the knowledge that I’m not alone. Each day comes with its own challenges and victories and so for now, I’m taking this #OneDayAtATime. The only thing I’m trying to be consistent about is maintaining a positive outlook... literally…”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In the words of my favourite author Isabel Allende, “We don't even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome.” The outpouring of love I’ve received in the last few days has been so overwhelming… and I’m especially grateful to those of you who shared stories of your experiences in dealing with cancer, whether it was your own or of loved ones. Your stories have given me an extra dosage of strength and courage, and more importantly, the knowledge that I’m not alone. Each day comes with its own challenges and victories and so for now, I’m taking this #OneDayAtATime. The only thing I’m trying to be consistent about is maintaining a positive outlook... literally #SwitchOnTheSunshine - it’s my way of dealing with this. Sharing my journey is also part of this process... I can only hope it reminds you that all is not lost and that someone, somewhere understands what you’re going through. 🤞🌞 Thank you @tomoarakawa for making this a chic transition from long to short!

A post shared by Sonali Bendre (@iamsonalibendre) on

The hairstylist @tomoarakawa also shared a video on the platform of the process.

Furthermore, on July 19, Bendre shared a post detailing how she and her husband, producer Goldie Behl broke the news to their son, Ranveer Behl: “As much as we wanted to protect him, we knew it was important to tell him the full facts. He took the news so maturely… and instantly became a source of strength and positivity for me.”

The actress has repeatedly posted about Ranveer, sharing a slideshow of childhood pictures on his birthday this year. The post has gotten over a million views.

Besides her family, the actress has also dedicated posts to her friends. On August 5 she shared a picture with former Bollywood actress Gayatri Joshi and Susanne Khan, seemingly on vacation. A couple of days later on August 8, she posted another picture with actress Dia Mirza, Khan and Joshi.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This is me. And in this moment, I am really happy. People give me strange looks when I say that now, but it's true and I'll tell you why. I am now paying attention to every moment, looking for every opportunity to find joy and #SwitchOnTheSunshine. Yes, there are moments of pain and low energy, but I am doing what I like, spending time with people I love, and feeling very loved and happy. I am extremely grateful to my friends, my pillars of strength, who at a moment's notice, arrived to be with me and help me through this. In between their busy schedules they find time to visit, call, message, FaceTime... basically never leaving a moment for me to feel alone. Thank you for showing me what true friendship is. #HappyFriendshipDay, ladies. Blessed to have you all in my life (including the ones not in the picture... You know who you are) @gayatrioberoi @suzkr P.S. Nowadays I spend far less time getting ready because I don't have to fuss over my hair! 😜#BaldIsBeautiful #FindThePositive #OneDayAtATime Picture credit: @hrithikroshan

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