Talking about imperfections is the new done thing, that is, if you go by our Bollywood stars. Gone are the days when they would keep a medical disorder guarded and close to their chest. Today, they are speaking about it and in turn, are spreading awareness and imparting education about their ailments in the process.
Actress Manisha Koirala, who returned less than a month ago from New York after her treatment, feels that sharing one’s grief and suffering eases the pain and the ordeal. “I have always been an open book and I saw no shame in talking about my battle with cancer,” she says, justifying her reason to tell the world. “As human beings, we need to share things. During my treatment, I read a lot of inspiring stories about cancer survivors and that gave me the courage I needed to fight my battle,” she recalls adding that if talking about her experience will make it easier for someone else, the purpose has been served. “After all, sharing is the best medicine,” she smiles. Television actress, Bhamini Oza Gandhi is another example of a courageous soul, who wasn’t afraid to share her story. She had a tumour in her brain that though was slow growing; it affected her hearing and body balance. “I did not speak about my condition to gain sympathy. I did it to inspire people and to let them know that it is not as scary as they think it is to have a tumour in your brain and that life doesn’t stop there,” she insists. Both these women feel that as celebs, talking about an ailment brings the matter to the fore and creates more awareness.
The hunky Hrithik Roshan was in constant touch with his fans through social networking and microblogging sites. Even in the hospital, he would regularly update his status and post pictures of himself. “I’m horizontal but controlling and creating my environment to the best of my ability. That’s all we ever need to do! I’m fantastic by the way! Thanks to all your love and wishes!” the actor said on his social networking site. Other examples of heroic acts were exhibited by the light eyed Lisa Ray, all rounder Yuvraj Singh and director Anurag Basu, who kept the world up to date with their condition, treatment and recovery. At the launch of his book, The Test of My Life, Yuvraj had said, “If there is one person whom I can help by telling my story, as I was helped by Lance Armstrong’s cancer story, I will be very happy. I will feel I did not waste the year of my life that vanished,” as quoted by a news website.
Psychiatrist, Dr Shyam Bhat attributes this degree of openness to the age of technology. “Social media has redefined the definition of privacy when it comes to celebs and has also reduced the barriers between them and their fans. An actor’s association with a medical condition not only brings awareness, it also destigmatises it. It makes them more human and relatable,” states the doctor. However, he does feel that similar attention should also be given to emotional problems. “Stephen Fry who suffers from bipolar disorder recently spoke about his recent attempt at suicide last year. These are stories that we need and unfortunately, that is a topic that is still considered a taboo,” expresses Dr Shyam.