I ACCEPTED MY SITUATION, AND DIDN’T LIVE IN DENIAL: TAHIRA KASHYAP
Tahira Kashyap’s brave fight against breast cancer is an inspiration for many. The author and soon-to-be director, who is the wife of Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, says cancer breaks you and scares you but she took it head on. “I practise Nichiren Buddhism. It has taught me that you have to be mentally strong. It has an impact on your physical being. Cancer was a minor frustration. But I accepted it truly. I decided that I will not live in denial and hide it from the world,” says Tahira, who was detected with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) with high grade malignant cells last year. Tahira often shares spirited posts about her cancer battle on social media.
When Tahira Kashyap was diagnosed with breast cancer, she promised herself that she wouldn’t let the disease deflate her spirit. She also decided to do her bit to erase the stigma and myths associated with the disease.
“When I was enduring, I saw that there’s so much taboo and stigma and shame attached to it. It’s a disease and it can happen to anyone. There is a treatment for it,” says the gritty 36-year-old, who is on her way to recovery.
“I agree that cancer scares you and throws you off but I wanted to change that. I wanted to give hope and faith. I don’t want cancer to be associated with something very negative,” she says.
Tahira often shares tidbits of her daily life with her fans. She recently posted a picture of her shaved head, calling it liberating. She says that was her way to show that there is nothing wrong with being diagnosed with cancer. She urges women to go out and get themselves examined if ever they feel there is some problem.
Tahira and Ayushmann have two kids — son Virajveer (7) and Varushka (4).“They know about it but they don’t understand what cancer is. I didn’t tell them that I am going for some vacation. I told them that I am going to the hospital and that there is something wrong and I shall be back. On the last day, I called them to the hospital. I didn’t want to hide from them,” she says.
Tahira can’t stop gushing about how her husband handled the whole situation. “He is my biggest strength and how he dealt with it is commendable. He was a true professional in the day and, at night, he would come to the hospital. I am very proud of him,” she concludes.