Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar meet the actress and her husband in New York, where she is undergoing treatment at the Sloan-Kettering hospital; son Ranveer flown in two days ago
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 5, 2018) 

Days after it had emerged that Huma Qureshi has stepped in as one of the judges on the kids’ talent hunt show, India’s Best Draamebaaz, after Sonali Bendre walked out, the latter took to her Instagram account to relay some news to her followers.

In the post, the 43-year-old actress who is married to filmmaker Goldie Behl and is mother to their 12-year-old son Ranveer, revealed that she has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment in New York.

“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... I’m taking this battle head on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me,” her note revealed.

While Bollywood stars rallied behind Sonali with good wishes and support — Arjun Kapoor (who lost his mother Mona Kapoor to cancer in 2012) urged her to “fight that bastard,” Karan Johar wrote, “Godspeed, love and strength to a true fighter and a solid soul!” and Anil Kapoor said, “You are a fighter, always have been! Sending you all our love and support, Sonali. Hoping to see you fit and fine super soon!” — Akshay Kumar, who returns to India from a vacation in the US with wife Twinkle Khanna and their kids, Aarav and Nitara, met her a few days ago.

While Sonali was accompanied by husband Goldie for treatment at New York’s Sloan-Kettering hospital, their son Ranveer was reportedly flown in two days ago. Abhishek Bachchan, a close friend of the couple, flew to the Big Apple last week to meet them. Filmmaker Omung Kumar, who was a judge alongside Sonali and Vivek Oberoi on India’s Best Draamebaaz, told Mirror, “We shot for four episodes together before she was replaced. We were laughing, having fun, even discussing our respective shoes. I don’t think she knew about it (the diagnosis) at the time. Later, we were told that she had left for New York for some tests and a second opinion, but we didn’t know she had cancer. It’s shocking. I know she’s a fighter and will come out of it.” Vivek added, “She has never ceased to amaze me with her positivity and strength. She is one of the strongest women I know. A Wonder Woman who does it all...and does it very well... Cancer will surely lose this fight.”

Sonali had made a seamless transition from films to TV– she made her small screen debut with the show Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Ye in 2014, which ran for a year.