Clad in a white ‘kurti’ and black trousers, and a red shawl hanging over her shoulders, veteran Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala was seemingly happy on Friday as she made her first appearance after she was declared cancer-free in May.
The actress, who underwent six months of chemotherapy and operation for ovarian cancer in the United States in December, was the chief guest at the inaugural event of a two-day conference on cancer here.Addressing the programme, Koirala said she has realised that life is “all about living and contributing to society.” “I am not a cancer survivor, but a cancer crusader,” she said, adding, “This is my rebirth. I might look fit from the outside, but I need at least six more months to regain my inner health.”
Koirala had been diagnosed with cancer at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, India, while she had been admitted at the Norvic Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu, before she was taken to India.
Koirala said she has been getting film offers from India. “I will get back to movies once I am fit enough,” she said. “I’ve asked filmmakers to wait at least till December.”
She added that she will even act in Nepali movies if she lands a ‘good role.’
About her daily routine, she said she wakes up early and starts meditation. She then goes for a walk with her father. She said she is also learning yoga.
“All my family members have started taking organic food, and yes, they are best for our health,” she said.
She also had a word of advice for her fans. According to her, people should go see the doctor regularly and conduct regular check-up. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chances of the disease being cured, she said.
“Cancer treatment is almost the same everywhere. The only difference is the support from your family and self-confidence,” she said.
Three-hundred national and international cancer experts and stakeholders are attending the two-day International Conference on Advances in Haematologic Malignancies.
The meet is being held for the first time in the country. Dr RP Baral, cancer specialist and secretary of the conference, said they will discuss prevention, treatment and cure for cancer.
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