Sharmila Tagore’s lung cancer detected at stage zero, says daughter Soha Ali Khan

Sharmila Tagore's lung cancer battle at stage zero avoided chemotherapy, allowing her to continue acting in films.

Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore’s cancer battle was more serious than many realised, but thanks to early detection, she avoided intensive treatment. Her daughter, actor Soha Ali Khan, revealed that Tagore’s lung cancer was diagnosed at stage zero and surgically removed without the need for chemotherapy.

“With my mother, she was one of the very few people to be diagnosed with lung cancer at stage zero, and no chemotherapy, nothing. It was cut out of her and she is, touchwood, fine,” Soha shared in a recent interview on Nayandeep Rakshit’s YouTube channel.

The 80-year-old star had first spoken publicly about her diagnosis in 2023. At the time, she explained why she declined a role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, saying she didn’t want to take any health risks during the peak of the pandemic. The role ultimately went to Shabana Azmi.

Filmmaker Karan Johar discussed the casting decision on Koffee with Karan, expressing his regret. “I’d offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana ji, she was my very first choice. But because of health reasons at that time, she couldn’t say yes.” Tagore responded on the show, explaining, “It was at the height of COVID... After my cancer, they didn’t want me to take that risk.”

Despite the health scare, Sharmila remains active in cinema. Her new film Puratwan, co-starring Rituparna Sengupta, hits theatres this Friday. She was also praised for her role in Gulmohar (2023), which won three National Awards, including Best Feature Film in Hindi.