In the outburst of adversities that come with battling cancer, Sonali Bendre has managed to hold strong. From going bald because of chemo, to breaking the news to her son, who took it with much maturity and strength; Sonali has chronicled a glimpse of her struggle with cancer on social media, beautifully.

Today she posted a video capturing her transformation from being bald to donning a wig.

“Vanity is my favourite sin.” – Al Pacino Well, it might not be my all-time favourite sin (that would be gluttony 😋), but who doesn’t like looking good? The way we look has a profound psychological impact on us… A little vanity here and there does no one any harm. It’s important to do what makes you happy, even if it’s something as simple as wearing a wig, bright red lipstick, high heels…. All that white noise doesn’t make a difference in the larger picture. No one can tell you what’s right or wrong for you. When I was testing out the wigs, I had a brief moment of self-doubt… “Am I vain for wanting to look good?” As part of the entertainment industry, you’re always expected to look good… Maybe that has been ingrained in me? But then I gave it a thought and I realized I like looking good for me. If I’m in the mood to wear a scarf, I will. If I want to walk around bald and free, I will. Only you know what would make you feel good, and what works best for you. So take every opportunity you can to #SwitchOnTheSunshine. #OneDayAtATime 🙏🌞 Thank you @priyankachopra for connecting me with the amazing @bokheehair, who created my new look.

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Sonali thanked Priyanka Chopra for connecting her with the hair-stylist, Bok-Hee, who created this look.

She posted the video with a message of sustaining a positive outlook towards life, and doing what makes one happy.

“It’s important to do what makes you happy, even if it’s something as simple as wearing a wig, bright red lipstick, high heels…. All that white noise doesn’t make a difference in the larger picture. No one can tell you what’s right or wrong for you. “

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. There is no better way to tackle this, than to take swift and immediate action. And so, as advised by my doctors, I am currently undergoing a course of treatment in New York. We remain optimistic and I am determined to fight every step of the way. 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.

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Wondering whether or not the idea of looking pretty makes her vain, and if it does, so be it, because she’s all smiles about it.

“”Vanity is my favourite sin.” – Al Pacino. Well, it might not be my all-time favourite sin (that would be gluttony 😋), but who doesn’t like looking good? The way we look has a profound psychological impact on us… A little vanity here and there does no one any harm.”
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It’s not that Sonali supports the idea of long hair being directly associated with ‘looking pretty’, which is further connected to being vain in the entertainment industry. Sonali questions whether it is this idea & pressure of always looking pretty that she has inherited from this industry? But after giving it a thought, she claims-

 “I realized I like looking good for me. If I’m in the mood to wear a scarf, I will. If I want to walk around bald and free, I will. Only you know what would make you feel good, and what works best for you.
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Sonali posted a photo of her pixie hair cut transformation about two months ago, with a message of survival and renewal that is a part of life.

In the words of my favourite author Isabel Allende, “We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome.” The outpouring of love I’ve received in the last few days has been so overwhelming… and I’m especially grateful to those of you who shared stories of your experiences in dealing with cancer, whether it was your own or of loved ones. Your stories have given me an extra dosage of strength and courage, and more importantly, the knowledge that I’m not alone. Each day comes with its own challenges and victories and so for now, I’m taking this #OneDayAtATime. The only thing I’m trying to be consistent about is maintaining a positive outlook… literally #SwitchOnTheSunshine – it’s my way of dealing with this. Sharing my journey is also part of this process… I can only hope it reminds you that all is not lost and that someone, somewhere understands what you’re going through. 🤞🌞 Thank you @tomoarakawa for making this a chic transition from long to short!

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Sonali also thanked her family and friends for the constant support, in an Instagram post on Friendship Day.

“I am extremely grateful to my friends, my pillars of strength, who at a moment’s notice, arrived to be with me and help me through this. In between their busy schedules they find time to visit, call, message, FaceTime… basically never leaving a moment for me to feel alone.”

This is me. And in this moment, I am really happy. People give me strange looks when I say that now, but it’s true and I’ll tell you why. I am now paying attention to every moment, looking for every opportunity to find joy and #SwitchOnTheSunshine. Yes, there are moments of pain and low energy, but I am doing what I like, spending time with people I love, and feeling very loved and happy. I am extremely grateful to my friends, my pillars of strength, who at a moment’s notice, arrived to be with me and help me through this. In between their busy schedules they find time to visit, call, message, FaceTime… basically never leaving a moment for me to feel alone. Thank you for showing me what true friendship is. #HappyFriendshipDay, ladies. Blessed to have you all in my life (including the ones not in the picture… You know who you are) @gayatrioberoi @suzkr P.S. Nowadays I spend far less time getting ready because I don’t have to fuss over my hair! 😜#BaldIsBeautiful #FindThePositive #OneDayAtATime Picture credit: @hrithikroshan

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Here’s to doing what makes you happy, and focusing on the good, in the face of extreme adversities. Here’s to acknowledging your struggles, Sonali. In your words, “take every opportunity you can to #SwitchOnTheSunshine”. Care.