Don’t let cancer define you: Kashyap-Khurrana
WRITER-director Tahira KashyapKhurrana was diagnosed with pre-invasive breast cancer last year, but she did not let that define her.
She said cancer victims were “bigger than the disease”.
In September last year, she shared the unexpected news with her thousands of followers on Instagram – that doctors detected DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) in her right breast, with high-grade malignant cells.
Initially, she was not ready to share it with the world. A few visits to the hospital, meeting other patients, talking about cancer and researching it, made her change her mind.
“No one in my immediate environment judged me. Of course, I was also asked by a couple of my close relatives… they said the news should remain within the confines of a family circle. I thought maybe that’s the right protocol,” Khurrana said.
“On the other hand, my doctor told me about so many cases… women who, despite getting a few symptoms, refused to get examined because of the humiliation associated with it. Some even feel guilty.”
That left her shocked. “Every patient should get support from the family and in the workplace.”
That is when she started sharing positive messages and creating awareness about cancer on social media.
“My basic aim has always been…creating awareness about early breast cancer detection and self-love. If you are suffering from cancer, do not let it define you. You are bigger than the disease. Be the stronger person that you always have been.
“I wanted to remove the stigma and taboo associated with cancer. No matter what life throws at you, take it in your stride and have immense love for yourself because it is you who is putting up the fight and you are no less than a warrior.”
She said she was now in the “pink of my health”.
“I am doing pretty good. Of course, I had chemotherapy which has side-effects… it can be endless, but I don’t want to acknowledge them.
“I am concentrating more on what I can do.”
Getting back to work is one of them. She just directed a music video, featuring her brother-in-law Aparshakti Khurana.
“There is also a film in the pipeline. It has been delayed though. I will be making the film very soon. We are still in the process of putting everything together.
“It’s a film about five women belonging to different age groups… with all quirky issues they face in their life and how they deal with them.
“It is a fun, happy film.”