Aruna Irani Opens Up About Battling Breast Cancer Twice, Chose to Avoid Chemotherapy

Aruna Irani Opens Up on Battling Breast Cancer Twice, Shares Why She Skipped Chemo the First Time.

Veteran actor Aruna Irani, a celebrated name in Indian cinema with over 500 film credits, has revealed that she quietly battled breast cancer—twice. In an interview with Lehren, the 76-year-old shared that the first diagnosis came during a routine shoot when she sensed something was wrong. “I was shooting when I felt a lump. The doctor initially said it was nothing serious, but I insisted on getting it removed,” she recalled.

While doctors advised chemotherapy, Aruna opted against it at the time. “I was working, and didn’t want to lose my hair. So, I chose medication instead,” she said.

Unfortunately, the cancer returned in March 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. This time, she went through chemotherapy. “It was my mistake the first time. I didn’t take chemo. The second time, I did,” she said, adding that treatment had improved by then. “Yes, some hair falls, but it grows back.”

Beyond cancer, Irani has also dealt with diabetes since age 60, and once faced a major kidney scare—though she recovered without intensive treatment. Aruna Irani started acting as a child in Ganga Jumna (1961) and rose to fame with roles in films like Upkar, Anpadh, and Humjoli. Her on-screen chemistry with Mehmood, and roles in numerous classics, made her a household name.

Later, she seamlessly transitioned to television, acting in and producing shows like Mehndi Tere Naam Ki, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, and Vaidehi. She was last seen in Kesari Veer. In 2012, Aruna Irani was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.