“It Is A New Normal, A New Journey,” Reveals Sonali Bendre In Inspiring Post-Cancer Interview

Sonali Bendre was diagnosed with cancer last year. And throughout her journey of successfully fighting the illness and coming out victorious, she has always kept us in the loop. Be it her hair loss, emotional ups and downs, acceptance or telling her teenage son the news; she has been a beacon of strength and perseverance for others with the illness.

Recently, the actress was featured on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar India. Sharing this photo on Instagram, she said that battling cancer has taught her to never let anything hold her back. “I would rather dress up and show up!”

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There’s no one way to tell how our experiences change us or shape us. Not all transformations are visible, but they will always leave an impact. What I’ve learnt is to never let it hold me back. I would rather dress up and show up! That’s how I would describe my day, shooting for the @bazaarindia cover. Had a great time talking to you, @sanjuktasharma; thank you! I love the pictures, @tarun_khiwal! Thank you @mickeycontractor for working your magic on me. @nonitakalra, this is special – thank you!😊

A post shared by Sonali Bendre (@iamsonalibendre) on Apr 3, 2019 at 8:56am PDT

The magazine shared some excerpts from the interview where Sonali revealed why she decided to shave her head and embrace her new self. She went against the advice of many who asked her to make a wig out of her long hair because she wanted to leave her fears and apprehensions behind.

“I wanted the old hair to go, it was not mine.”

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“When I shaved my hair, my friends asked me to keep it, maybe make my own wig out of it, but I wanted the old hair to go, it was not mine. I wanted to let go. I think I hid a lot under my long hair” says @iamsonalibendre . Pick up our April issue to know how she emerged stronger with help from family and friends. • • • Editor: Nonita Kalra (@nonitakalra ) Creative Director: Yurreipem Arthur (@yurreipem) Fashion Director: Edward Lalrempuia (@edwardlalrempuia) Text by: Sanjukta Sharma (@sanjuktasharma ) Photographer: Tarun Khiwal (@tarun_khiwal ) Dress: Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna (@rohitgandhirahulkhanna ) All jewellery: Her Story (@herstoryjewels) Hair and makeup: Mickey Contractor (@mickeycontractor) Production: Parul Menezes (@parulmenezes) Fashion Assistant: Parvati Mangal (@parvatimangal) Location: Courtesy JW Marriott Juhu, Mumbai (@jwmarriottjuhu ) #bazaarindia #aprilissue #sonalibendre #switchonthesunshine

A post shared by Harper's Bazaar, India (@bazaarindia) on Apr 3, 2019 at 7:59am PDT

She also spoke about how her family was her pillar of strength through the difficult times and why each and every survivor should be open “to receive” – love, care and support.

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“I had started listening to my body a lot more attentively now. And it is a new normal, a new journey. I tell women who have gone through cancer that healing from it requires receiving care, receiving support, letting friends and family rally around us. It is my time to receive,” says Sonali Bendre (@iamsonalibendre). Catch her in our April’19 issue. On stands now. • • • Editor: Nonita Kalra (@nonitakalra ) Creative Director: Yurreipem Arthur (@yurreipem) Fashion Director: Edward Lalrempuia (@edwardlalrempuia) Photographer: Tarun Khiwal (@tarun_khiwal ) Text by: Sanjukta Sharma (@sanjuktasharma ) Dress: Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna (@rohitgandhirahulkhanna ) All jewellery: Her Story (@herstoryjewels) Hair and makeup: Mickey Contractor (@mickeycontractor) Production: Parul Menezes (@parulmenezes) Fashion Assistant: Parvati Mangal (@parvatimangal) Location: Courtesy JW Marriott Juhu, Mumbai (@jwmarriottjuhu ) #bazaarindia #aprilissue #sonalibendre #switchonthesunshine #HerStoryJewels #IdeasThatMakeYou

A post shared by Harper's Bazaar, India (@bazaarindia) on Apr 3, 2019 at 10:38pm PDT

Everyone lauded Sonali for her indomitable spirit and positive attitude. A true inspiration indeed!

As gorgeous as ever!! Love your indomitable spirit sonali!! You are an inspiration to all!

— Priya Suri (@PriyaSuri14) April 3, 2019

life teaches u through multiple ways….love u sonali u r the epitome of courage n motivation…..more power to u n love u always……👅💪💪💪💪👏👏🤙

— Rajesh kamta (@RajeshKamta) April 3, 2019

I loved you when I first saw you in the tamil movie "kadhalar dhinam". Never knew such beauty exists in this world. Now I love you more, because I know you are more than a beauty. You are a fascinating person.

— Rubala (@rubalasuresh) April 4, 2019

🙏🏻 I.N.S.P.I.R.A.T.I.O.N.A.L. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💪🏻👌🏻👍🏻🍾🥂

— Srini 🙏🏻🇮🇳 (@srini_bala) April 3, 2019

You look beautiful!! Hats off to you and your journey!

— AnnaDevi (@AnnaDevi7) April 4, 2019

We hope that this new journey brings her lots of joy and happiness. Wishing her luck for all future endeavours so that she continues to inspire us all.