Veteran actor Shagufta Ali never shies away from talking about the toughest phase of her life. That included battling stage three breast cancer and facing financial stress from her own and her father’s health issues. She said she handled it all on her own and didn’t ask anyone for help. She’s also been vocal about the criticism she’s faced over her financial problems.
Shagufta Ali on hiding diagnosis
talk with Siddhartha Kanan explained why she kept her diagnosis a secret. Shagufta said she hid her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis for fear it would harm her career, adding that the industry mentality at the time made her feel she had no choice. When asked why she remained silent on the matter, Shagufta replied: “Uss zamaane mein uss cheez ko ye kaha jaata tha ki nahi nahi nahi nahi nahi, batana nahi batana. Birkuhl doesn’t tell or say anything. Nahi toh kaam milna. Phir wahi darr, dara diya ki kaam nahi milega. Phir industry waale aisa karne lagte hain, aisa behavior karte hain, aisa behavior karte hain. Toh nahi bataya tha maine (Translation: At that time, the general attitude was – no, no, no – you couldn’t talk about it at all. You definitely shouldn’t mention it; otherwise, you wouldn’t get a job. There was that fear – the threat that the jobs would dry up. People in the industry would start acting or behaving in a certain way. So, I didn’t say anything.)”
Shagufta Ali sells jewelry, cars to survive
During that difficult time, she revealed she had to give up jewelry and cars to get by, although she was quick to clarify that her house was never in danger. Even now, she doesn’t mind taking a rickshaw to and from get off work, whether for work or medical appointments. She also responded to criticism for not having any savings. “Starting in 2017, when I started having difficulties, people started questioning me and saying, ‘Don’t you have any savings?’ Of course I did. I have a lot of savings and that’s what I’ve spent over the years. I am not an Ambani, Tata or Adani family, am I not? It’s not like my money will never be used up. How much savings do you think I might have? I’m a TV actor. I am the only earning member of my family. These savings must be used to pay for illness, daily expenses, groceries, maintenance of the family, etc. “
Shagufta Ali questioned over spending
What confused her most was why people were so bothered by her refusal to seek help, and why her personal savings were their concern in the first place. She noted that she did not spend the money on nightclubs, drinking, a lavish lifestyle or parties. What bothered her even more was the fact that she had to constantly justify her spending to others, and she questioned why this was a problem. In response to repeated questions about the whereabouts of her savings, she clarified that they were used for her medical expenses.
Shagufta Ali quits her upcoming TV show
Shahgufta Ali was set to star in a hit TV show but is no longer involved in the project. She was originally selected as Aditya Gupta’s grandmother, but was forced to leave due to health problems.
