Sonali Bendre diagnosed with 'high grade cancer'

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre on Wednesday announced that she has been diagnosed with 'high grade cancer' and is being treated for it in New York. Sonali took to her Instagram and Twitter handles to announce the news, sharing a note in which she said she's 'taking this battle head on' and thanked her family and friends for their support. 

''Sometimes, when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with a high grade cancer that has metastised, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them.

''There is no better way to tackle this, than to take swift and immediate action. And so, as advised by my doctors, I am currently undergoing a course of treatment in New York. We remain optimistic and I am determined to fight every step of the way. What has helped has been the immense outpouring of love and support I've received over the past few days, for which I am very grateful. I'm taking this battle head on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me,'' Sonali said in her post on the social media.

Bollywood poured their wishes for Sonali on Twitter and Instagram.''Godspeed, love and strength to a true fighter and a solid soul!!!'' Filmmaker Karan Johar said in a tweet.

''Deeply saddened & shaken by this news. Praying for your speedy recovery & good health @iamsonalibendre. @GOLDIEBEHL sending all the positivity & best wishes,'' Riteish Deshmukh said.

''Sending you strength and love!,'' Ileana D'Cruz said.''Sonali Ma'am wishing you a speedy recovery. Praying for you and your family!,'' Patralekhaa said.''Sending you love and prayers,'' Shruti Haasan said.''You will for sure win the battle :) God bless you ! Praying for you #Fan,'' filmmaker Anand Kumar said.

Manish Malhotra also commented on her Instagram post and wrote, "Wishes and strength and love with you Sonali.''Her 'Hum Saath Saath Hain 'co-actor Neelam Soni commented, ''You are the strongest girl I know. My superwoman.''''Lots and lots of love Sonali,'' Sonam Kapoor said.

''Keep fighting Sonali. Don't let that piece of shit win,'' Arjun Kapoor said.''Blessings and prayers.You'll be fit and better before you know it! God bless!'' Pulkit Samrat said.''Have a speedy recovery,'' Actor Karan Wahi said.''God bless. Beat it, hard and fast. And be well soon,'' Mandira Bedi said.''Sending you all the love, strength, prayers in the world to fight this Sonali. God speed,'' singer and actor Sophie Choudry said.

''Sending you all the positivity n love!!! May you heal soon,'' Gauhar Khan said.Sonali Bendre is married to producer Goldie Behl. They have a 13-year-old son Ranveer.Sonali made her Bollywood debut in 1994 with Govinda's 'Aag'. Sonali has featured in films like 'Sarfarosh' with Aamir Khan, 'Major Saab' with Amitabh Bachchan and Ajay Devgn, 'Duplicate' and 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' with Shah Rukh Khan and 'Hum Saath-Saath Hai' with Salman Khan.

Apart from Hindi films, Sonali Bendre has also featured in several regional films such as Kadhalar Dhinam and Kannodu Kanbathellam in Tamil, Shankar Dada MBBS in Telugu and Anahat in Marathi.

Sonali was last seen in a cameo role in Akshay Kumar's 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara' (2013) while her last full-fledged role was opposite Chiranjeevi in 'Shankar Dada MBBS'.She was recently replaced by Huma Qureshi on Zee TV's show 'India's Best Draamebaaz'.(UNI)