Ayushmann Khurrana with Tahira Kashyap (courtesy https://twitter.com/ayushmannk)
Highlights
- Tahira is working on her first feature film after recovery
- Tahira was diagnosed with cancer last year
- "It was very difficult," said Ayushmann Khurrana
Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap came out stronger after battling "difficult" times when she was diagnosed with cancer last year, just around the time Badhaai Ho and AndhaDhun were about to release. And that's a phase Ayushmann opened up about in his recent interview with Rajeev Masand. The 34-year-old actor revealed that they got to know about Tahira's cancer diagnosis on his birthday last year: "It was very difficult. In fact, thanks to her that she was brave enough to take that positively otherwise I would have broken, completely. Because I was in the middle of two films I was promoting AndhaDhun and Badhaai Ho. And we got to know about this on my birthday. In fact, we saw Manmarziyaan that day... we saw Manmarziyaan on September 14 and we got to know of this disease."
Sharing how Tahira Kashyap reacted to the news, Ayushmann said they decided to get through the struggle together: "She was like 'I want to just celebrate my life. I'll take it head on and we are together in this both fighting the disease and also in promoting the films.' So, it was a collective effort from both sides. But I am glad she's overcome this and as we speak she's giving a lecture on cancer, how to fight, how to combat it. She's a leader now to cancer patients and an inspiration."
Tahira Kashyap dropped the news about being diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer and undergoing mastectomy on September 22 with a post, which was the least bit morose in nature as she wrote: "I was detected with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in my right breast with high grade malignant cells. Simply put stage 0 cancer/ pre-cancerous stage, with cancer cells multiplying in a contained area. The result - I have become a half Indian version of Angelina Jolie (since only one breast was involved)! I told my doctor now is the time to give some competition to the Kardashians since Pamela is passe."
An opportunity to give competition to the Kardashians just went wasted! A week back I mentioned about 'my badge of honour' that I was going to receive. And I did and am happy to share about it with the intention of it being received with love. As that's the only reason I am posting it. Love for self and gratitude for the universe. The picture might be disturbing for some, but these drains have become my dumbells for a few days. I was detected with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in my right breast with high grade malignant cells. Simply put stage 0 cancer/ pre-cancerous stage, with cancer cells multiplying in a contained area. The result I have become a half Indian version of Angelina Jolie (since only one breast was involved)! I told my doctor now is the time to give some competition to the Kardashians since Pamela is passé. But no one listened to me, so now I have a portion of my back tissue in my breast. Perhaps now I can do chin-ups with my breasts! Jokes apart, this obstacle has given me a new definition of life. Respect it's unpredictability and have the faith and courage to be the hero of your own drama of life. The invincible human spirit is God like, gives you the courage to endure and the will to revive. There is nothing that human spirit can't do. Also I want women of all ages to be aware. I am 35, and I was returned twice over from a mammogram. If any symptoms come up, think of it as a protective force and get yourselves examined. Also we are so obsessed with boobs. This mastectomy has left me with even more self love! Big, small, left or right inclined , gravity pulling or defying, or even none, each breast the presence or lack of it has a story to tell. Mine has made me a 2.0 version of myself! This post is dedicated to awareness, self love and resilience of a warrior that I know each one of us possesses #breastcancerawareness #selflove #determination #faith #bodhisattva #bodhisattvaoftheearth
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Through her months of cancer treatment and chemotherapy, Tahira Kashyap has often featured in adorable posts by Ayushmann Khurrana. He kept a fast instead of Tahira during Karva Chauth last year and even gave a shout out to Tahira on her first day of work after recovery.
Tahira Kashyap is now working on her first feature film as a director, about which Ayushmann Khurrana said in the interview: "She should take her own baby steps towards direction and her own passion in life." She made her debut as a director with the critically acclaimed short film Toffee, which released in 2017.
Tahira Kashyap and Ayushmann Khurrana married in 2008 after dating for several years. They are parents to son Virajveer and daughter Varushka.