Bollywood actress and cancer survivor Sonali Bendre has found herself at the center of a medical controversy after sharing her experience with alternative therapy autophagy. The actress recently took to social media to clarify her position following criticism from healthcare professionals about her endorsement of the treatment method.
The Controversy Begins
On November 21, Bendre shared on X (formerly Twitter) that autophagy played a significant role in her cancer healing journey. She revealed that her naturopath introduced her to this alternative therapy in 2018 when she was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer. The actress mentioned that she researched the method and continues to follow it to this day for maintaining her health.
However, her post quickly drew criticism from medical experts, including prominent hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known online as The Liver Doc. Dr. Philips pointed out that Bendre had actually undergone modern medical treatment for her cancer and warned that naturopathy represents quackery in medical practice.
Bendre's Clarification Statement
Responding to the growing controversy, Sonali Bendre posted a detailed clarification on her Instagram story on Monday evening. The actress firmly stated, I have never claimed to be a doctor, but I am certainly not a quack either. She emphasized her identity as a cancer survivor who has personally experienced the fear, pain, and uncertainty that comes with the disease.
The actress explained that everything she shared about autophagy stemmed from her personal experience rather than medical expertise. She highlighted that no two cancers are the same, and no treatment path is identical for different patients. Bendre clarified that she explored autophagy as one of many protocols after thorough research and under proper medical guidance.
Advocating for Open Dialogue
In her statement, the Bollywood star advocated for respectful discussion about different health approaches. She stressed that while people don't have to agree on every treatment method, they should avoid dismissing alternative perspectives outright. Bendre believes every individual should have the freedom to choose what feels right, safe, and empowering for their health journey.
The actress concluded by affirming that she will always share her cancer journey with honesty and humility, presenting it as lived experience rather than medical prescription. Her statement reflects the perspective of someone who has battled a life-threatening illness and found multiple approaches helpful in her recovery process.
Sonali Bendre was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and underwent treatment in New York before being declared cancer-free in 2021. Since her recovery, she has been actively involved in cancer awareness initiatives, using her platform to share insights from her personal health battle.
