Cancer helped me grow, appreciate life: Manisha Koirala

Fighting ovarian cancer transformed actor Manisha Koirala in many ways and the actor says she has now grown to appreciate life.

The 45-year-old Dil Se star has been cancer free for last two years. She was diagnosed with it in 2012. Manisha says she now understand the importance of life.

“I think cancer helps to transform a person... It affected me so much that it enabled me to grow, appreciate life and honour my body,” said Manisha.

She had no clue about the disease until she felt very weak and went to a hospital in Kathmandu with her brother.

“I was diagnosed with cancer in Kathmadu. I immediately flew down to India and got admitted in a prestigious hospital in Mumbai.

“Since the surgery looked very complicated, I then flew to the US for it. I did not face any problem there. Doctors in the US not only focus on the treatment part of it but also on psychological aspects. They are much ahead in taking care of a patient,” she said.

The actor believes doctors do play an important role in treating a cancer patient. “Initially, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I was very keen to talk to my doctors to know more about it. When you are a patient, then doctor gives you maximum assurance of your good health.” 

Though the disease brings a lot of stress to a family but it also helps them to bind them together. “I did feel guilty of the kind of situation my family was going through because of me. Cancer helped to bring my family more close. Now, when we face any problem, we just go back to that time and take inspiration from it,” she said.

Post her cancer struggle, the actor appeared in two films.