Veteran actor Shagufta Ali has not stopped talking about the most difficult part of her life. This includes battling breast cancer three times and facing financial hardship due to her and her father’s health. He says he did everything on his own, without turning to anyone for help. He also spoke candidly about the criticism he faces regarding his financial problems.
Shagufta Ali is the reason why she hid her illness
Talking with Siddharth Kannan, the actor shared his reasons for being known. Shagufta shared that she hid her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis out of fear that it would affect her career, adding that the corporate mentality at the time made her feel she had no other option. When Shagufta was asked why he remained silent, he replied, “Uss zamaane mein uss cheez ko ye kaha jaata tha ki nahi nahi nahi nahi, batana nahi batana. Bilkul does not talk about it and does not talk about it. I have a problem. Phir wahi darr, dara diya ki kaam nahi milega. Phir industry waale aisa karne lagte hain, aisa behave karte hain, aisa behave karte hain. Toh nahi bataya tha maine (Translation: Back then, the common thought was—no, no, no—you couldn’t talk about it. You didn’t have to mention it; otherwise, you wouldn’t get a job. There was that fear—the fear that the job would dry up. When people in the industry started doing things or doing certain things. So, I didn’t say anything).
Shagufta Ali sells her jewelery and car to survive
During this difficult time, he revealed that he had to leave his jewelry and his car to pass, although he was quick to clarify that his house was not on the line. Even now, he doesn’t mind riding a motorcycle, whether it’s to work or to the hospital. He also talked about the criticism he received because of the lack of money. “When I started facing difficulties from 2017, people started asking me, ‘Didn’t you save? Yes I did. I saved a lot of money, and that’s what I used all these years. I’m not Ambani, Tata or Adani, am I? It’s not like my money will never run out. How much money do you think I could have? I am a TV actor. I am the only earning member of my household. The money has to pay for sickness, daily expenses, food, family maintenance, everything. “
Shagufta Ali when asked about his spending habits
What puzzled him the most was why people were so bothered by his refusal to ask for help and why his savings were such a concern in the first place. He said he didn’t spend his money on nightclubs, drinking, high life, or partying. What worried him the most was that he always showed that he was spending money to help others, and he wondered why it was such a big deal. In response to repeated questions about where his money went, he explained that it was all spent on his medical bills.
Shagufta Ali has left the upcoming TV show
Shagufta Ali, who was set to appear in the popular TV show, is no longer with the project. At first he was tested as Aditya Guptagrandmother but was forced to leave due to health problems.