On World Cancer Day, Ayushmann Khurrana opens up on how Tahira Kashyap's inner strength inspired him

Four years after Tahira Kashyap was diagnosed with breast cancer, the writer and her husband, actor Ayushmann Khurrana, opened up about overcoming the challenges posed by the disease.

On World Cancer Day — 4 February — the couple took to Tahira's Audible podcast, My Ex-Breast, to look back on the situation.

Recalling the moment he first learned the news, Khurrana said, "We were together in Delhi when we got to know about it from a doctor."

The Badhaai Ho (2018) actor added, "There was a time when both of us were very vulnerable sitting in a hospital. Again, you know, people are asking for pictures... I was hiding behind a pillar, the security guy, and feeling terrible."

Tahira was diagnosed during the release of Andhadhun (2018), and Khurrana had spoken earlier about the difficult time they had during promotions for the film. It was also revealed on the podcast that Tahira adopted Nichiren Buddhism as a way to cope. Khurrana said, "It gave you the strength to fight head-on. Now you are the victorious queen in front of me. I was happy that you are emotionally strong in a way that you are going to tackle this and fight this. We were together in this fight, but I was getting so inspired by you that you've probably become stronger than me."

Khurrana also described being inspired by Tahira's decision to not conceal the change in her appearance. He said, "When I saw you for the first time, it's like a bald head walking confidently. I was like, 'Wow this is so hot' because your strength was everything, it was part of the personality. Your shoulders were always upright, you were never lacking confidence." He added, "Some of me feels you look better now. It's just like version 2.0 of Tahira."

Speaking about the lack of awareness surrounding breast cancer and its risks in India, the actor said, "Life is very important and it's precious. It's not just for you but for your kids and for your family. Start loving yourself. Self-love is most important. Yes, it's very underrated but at the same time, if you're selfless and you have self-love you will get it [breasts] examined and never think twice before going for checkups. You have to do it regularly and for yourself and also for the family at the same time. You can't be having like a lackadaisical attitude towards it. You have to be proactive about it. Because otherwise cancer spreads every minute, every hour and you need to fix it as soon as possible." 

Khurrana is currently awaiting the release of An Action Hero (2022) and Anek (2022) later this year, while Tahira is set to make her directorial debut with Sharmaji Ki Beti (2022).