Actor Shagufta Ali, who is known for her work in TV shows like Saans, Sasural Simar Ka and Saath Nibhana Saathiya, has recently been boldly speaking out about her personal and professional struggles. Shagufta was diagnosed with breast cancer and six years ago the side effects of chemotherapy had caused her diabetes, which was made difficult by the lack of better roles on the screen. The 54-year-old actor has been out of work since 2018. His last acting role was an extended cameo in the show Bepannaah.
She told us, “I never talked to anyone about what I was going through. I just kept working quietly. But I had to be brave and courageous and come out in the open because I can’t take it anymore.” Plus, I think when you keep your feelings and thoughts to yourself, it causes more harm than good. Either you get depressed or have anxiety attacks. So, I thought Let me just speak before it’s too late. Because it would have been scary to live a life with suicidal thoughts or depression.”
Ever since Shagufta opened up about the financial crisis and health issues he is facing, he has been flooded with messages and phone calls from industry colleagues and co-actors offering help. “I am really thankful to God that people have started coming forward to help me. I had shared my problems publicly only 8-9 days back and the kind of response I am getting is touchwood, heartwarming. There are also people who are talking to other people to help me on my behalf. But yes, the financial stress I am going through and the amount needed to recover from it is yet to be achieved.
“But I am hoping that this too will be done according to everyone’s timing, schedule and their own financial issues that they should be facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But I expected some people to come forward and help me, but they didn’t. I think bad times show you a lot.”
Shagufta praised actor Johnny Lever and filmmaker Ashok Pandit for helping him, saying, “People like Johnny bhai (brother) and Ashok ji have been very kind. They are talking to people around and trying to find out how much specific amount I need.”
Asked if he has got any job offer recently, the actor said, “Right now, my doctors and close family friends have advised me to take proper rest and not to work. is, ‘When you’ve been at home and haven’t worked for four-five years, why can’t you wait another five-six months and start working again?’ Because then obviously I will be in better health. Also, some people contacted me and told me to let them know whenever I am in better health condition to work.”
Shagufta recently made an appearance in Dance Deewane 3, where actress Madhuri Dixit handed him a check of Rs 5 lakh on behalf of the dancing reality show team. The actor said that he has given 36 years to the entertainment industry and its people and now it is their time to pay.
“I have not been approached by any other reality show. If anyone wants to invite me on their show, I will definitely go. I have given 36 years to this industry so maybe it is their time to help and take care of me.”
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