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Sonali battling cancer; Bollywood stars hope for speedy recovery (Lead)
Mumbai, July 4 (IANS) Actress Sonali Bendre on Wednesday shared that she has been diagnosed with a “high-grade cancer”, and is undergoing treatment in New York.
Ever since the actress posted the news about her health on Twitter and Instagram, prayers and wishes have been pouring in for the actress from the film fraternity.
In a long post, Sonali said: “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,” she added.
The actress, who made her debut in the Hindi film industry with “Aag” in 1994, recently stepped down from judging a reality TV show “India’s Best Dramebaaz”. Actress Huma Qureshi stepped into her shoes.
And this seems to be the reason behind her exit from the show.
She is undergoing treatment in New York, and is optimistic about the future. Sonali is married to producer Goldie Behl. They have one son Ranveer together.
“There is no better way to tackle this, than to take swift and immediate action…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,” she added.
The news shocked stars, who took to Twitter to express their views.
“Godspeed, love and strength to a true fighter and a solid soul,” filmmaker Karan Johar said.
Actress Divya Dutta also posted “Dearest dearest one, remember you always with a girl wit so much strength and will power! Loads of prayers for you! Get well real soon! Big big hug”, while Riteish Deshmukh wrote: “Deeply saddened and shaken by this news. Praying for your speedy recovery and good health”.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar is sure Sonali “will fight all the odds and overcome this situation”.
“Wishing you a speedy recovery. Praying for strength for you, Goldie Behl and your family,” he added.
Actor Arjun Kapoor also posted: “Fight that bastard Sonali don’t let it win.”
Stars like Sonam Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Manish Malhotra, Pulkit Samrat, Mandira Bedi and Neha Dhupia also sent out their blessings and love.
Sonali has starred in films like “Diljale”, “English Babu Desi Mem”, “Duplicate”, “Major Saab”, “Sarfarosh”, “Kal Ho Naa Ho” and “Hum Saath – Saath Hain”.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.