Dipika Kakar has long been a familiar face on Indian television, known for her warmth, grace, and the memorable roles she brought to life. But over the past month, the actress has been fighting a battle far removed from the spotlight. In May, what began as a bout of severe stomach pain led to a shocking diagnosis. Doctors discovered a tumour, one the size of a tennis ball, lodged in her liver. It was soon confirmed to be stage 2 liver cancer.
The news left her family and fans stunned. Dipika, quietly underwent surgery soon after the discovery. Now, nearly a month later, her husband, actor Shoaib Ibrahim, opened up about the difficult days and their ongoing fight in a candid video shared on his YouTube channel.
He revisited the morning of her operation, a moment etched into his memory. “I can’t forget the date. I was sitting by the window, extremely worried, along with my friends who were supporting me. We were all waiting for the doctor’s update,” he recalled. That day marked not only the surgery but the beginning of a long road toward recovery.
Shoaib shared that the surgery was successful. For now, no cancer cells have been detected in Dipika’s body. But the journey is far from over. Shoaib explained, “As far as the body is concerned, there are currently no cancer cells present. However, the biopsy report that we received and the PET scan we reviewed indicated a more serious situation. The tumour was classified as grade three and poorly differentiated, which means it was quite aggressive. Therefore, the chances of recurrence are significant.”
Acknowledging these risks, her doctors have advised targeted therapy as the next step. Treatment will begin next week and is expected to continue for around two years. Shoaib mentioned that the medication, if necessary, would be administered intravenously, and regular scans will take place every three weeks to monitor her condition. “After the surgery, the doctor prescribed medication. Although there are no cancer cells now, if any are detected in the future, the dosage will be increased, and she will receive medication intravenously,” he said, offering both honesty and hope.
The gravity of the diagnosis stunned many. Dipika had maintained a relatively low profile during her illness, but her courage has quietly inspired those following her story. When she initially opened up about the tumour, Dipika revealed how relentless the stomach pain had been and how the eventual discovery of a mass came as a cruel surprise. The subsequent confirmation of cancer turned her world upside down.
In the weeks since the surgery, both have chosen to stay positive. Shoaib emphasized how much these difficult days have taught them about patience and resilience. The risk of recurrence may loom large, but they are choosing to focus on every small victory. The two have drawn immense strength from their bond, the outpouring of public support, and their determination to see this fight through.
