Rajshree Deshpande calls for open dialogue on cancer: Let’s normalize it
Actress Rajshri Deshpande opened up about her cancer diagnosis and stressed the need to remove the stigma associated with the disease. The actress, who is now recovering after the surgery, also shared her plans to raise awareness.
Actress Rajshri Deshpande has revealed about her battle with breast cancer. In a recent interview, the 43-year-old stressed the importance of normalizing conversations about cancer, often referred to as the ‘C-word’ and expressed that it is still a taboo topic in society.
Earlier on Wednesday, the actor revealed that she had undergone surgery for Grade 1 breast cancer and is now recovering.
❮❯
‘Let’s normalize the conversation around cancer’
in an interview with Hindustan TimesDeshpande explained how early diagnosis and medical care played a vital role in his journey. Describing her diagnosis, she said, “I went, and the doctors found the lesion. I flew from Aurangabad to Mumbai, met the doctors and got sonography done again to confirm what it was. After the sonography, I got my biopsy done and then got the news.”
The actress addressed the reactions she received after sharing her diagnosis and expressed, “Let’s normalize it! It’s such a taboo that people send condolence-type messages like ‘Oh my God, so sorry’. But nowadays, with the medical facilities, at least cancer gives you time to take some action.”
awareness raising plan
She now plans to convert her experience into advocacy. She concluded, “In the next few weeks, there will be breast cancer awareness workshops. As an actor, I use my pain for my art. In the same way I will use this pain to make people aware.”
Sharing her journey on social media
On Wednesday, Deshpande updated fans on social media by sharing a picture from his hospital bed.
She opened up about her journey in the caption, writing, “As you are reading this, it means I have finally found the courage to tell my parents that I have been diagnosed with Grade 1 breast cancer, Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (NOS). Now is the time for you all to know.”
The actor further added, “Luckily we caught it early during a routine checkup, which gave us a fighting chance. The plethora of tests and surgeries felt like a rollercoaster ride, but believe me, it was everyone’s love and warmth that kept me going. And seeing my mom and dad’s faces after the surgery, my fear turned into unbreakable strength.”
She also expressed gratitude towards her support system, writing, “With everyone’s support, I feel like I’m ready to take on the world. Now, I’m recovering well and will be going home from the hospital soon. Thank you so much to Dr. Mandar Nadkarni (@nadkarnim) at @kokilabenhospital – his expertise and care made this journey even easier. Your love is truly my greatest medicine. Here’s to healing, hope, and all the brighter days to come.”
On the work front, Deshpande started her film career with a small role in the 2012 film seek. She later appeared in television series such as people will say something And 24: India. He received widespread recognition for his role in sacred game.
Recently she was seen in Mani Ratnam’s 2025 film thug Life. The cast also included Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan, Aishwarya Lakshmi and Ashok Selvan.