Sonali Bendre Advocates for Respectful Health Dialogue
Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre, a survivor of Stage 4 metastatic cancer, has found herself at the center of a social media storm. The controversy erupted after she publicly credited autophagy for aiding her recovery journey. Her personal endorsement of this metabolic process, however, was met with sharp criticism from a medical professional online.
The Doctor's Accusation and Sonali's Powerful Retort
The situation escalated when a doctor on social media condemned her claims, labeling the promotion of autophagy as 'quackery'. This strong accusation did not go unanswered. The host of 'Pati Patni Aur Panga' swiftly took to her own social media platform to issue a pointed response. In a note directed at the criticizing doctor, Bendre did not back down from her position.
She firmly addressed the backlash, using the opportunity to call for a more respectful dialogue surrounding personal health and wellness choices. Her rebuttal highlights the delicate balance between personal experience and medical authority in the public sphere.
A Survivor's Perspective on Healing
Having battled a life-threatening illness, Sonali Bendre's perspective comes from a place of lived experience. Her decision to speak about autophagy, which refers to the body's process of cleaning out damaged cells, is part of her narrative of overcoming Stage 4 cancer. The incident, which unfolded on November 25, 2025, underscores the challenges public figures face when sharing their personal health journeys and the intense scrutiny that can follow.
