Salman Khan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Arjun Kapoor: Actors Who Deal with Rare Diseases

Showbiz is often associated with glamour, stardom, and flawless appearances. But behind the spotlight, many celebrities have faced personal battles with serious health conditions—both physical and mental. Rather than hiding their struggles, these stars chose to speak out, using their influence to raise awareness and challenge stigma. From autoimmune disorders and chronic illnesses to mental health concerns, their openness has encouraged conversations often brushed under the carpet. By sharing their journeys, they not only normalise these conditions but also inspire fans to seek help, stay strong, and prioritise self-care. Here’s a closer look at their courageous stories.

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Bollywood star Salman Khan has been battling trigeminal neuralgia, a painful facial nerve condition, since 2007. He sought treatment in the United States and discussed his experience on Aap Ki Adalat, inspiring others dealing with chronic pain to seek help and resilience. At the Dubai launch of Tubelight’s first song, “Radio”, Salman revealed he was suffering from the condition. It is also known as the “suicide disease” due to the intense pain that can make people feel suicidal. “There is so much pain... I suffered that,” he stated.

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Arjun Kapoor has candidly shared his battle with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. This condition led to significant weight fluctuations and fatigue, impacting his physical and mental well-being. During the filming of Singham Again, Kapoor also experienced symptoms of mild depression, prompting him to seek therapy. His openness has sparked important conversations about mental health and autoimmune conditions in the entertainment industry. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Arjun shared how the illness pushed him into a state of stress, with antibodies attacking without cause.

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Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, acclaimed for her role in Dhak Dhak, was diagnosed with epilepsy during the film’s production. Initially in denial due to societal stigma, she eventually sought medical help and now speaks openly about her condition. Fatima’s transparency aims to raise awareness about epilepsy and encourage others to seek support without fear or shame. In an interview with Hindustan Times, she said, “This is something I live with. I am recovering and I am much better today.” She shared how she learned to balance work while living with the condition, although those around her often became concerned seeing her struggle.

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Actor Vijay Varma, known for his versatile performances, has vitiligo—a condition that causes depigmentation of the skin. Initially self-conscious, he now embraces his appearance, choosing to cover the patches only for film roles to avoid distracting the audience. His openness is a source of positivity, promoting self-acceptance and confidence for others living with the condition. In an interview with The Times of India, he said, “See, I didn’t make a big deal out of it (skin condition). It is just a cosmetic thing, and it’s not something that can change the course of your life. We make it a big deal because it’s visible, but I’ve never really let it affect me. It used to worry me when I was an out-of-work actor—I would wonder if this would become an obstacle. But ever since I started working and experiencing success, it hasn’t bothered me.”

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Tollywood star Samantha Ruth Prabhu revealed her struggle with myositis, an autoimmune disorder that weakens the muscles. In a heartfelt Instagram post in 2022, she opened up about the difficulties of accepting the diagnosis and the lengthy recovery process—encouraging others with similar experiences to feel less alone. In an interview with India Today, Samantha shared that she was compelled to go public with her condition. “At that time, I had a female-centric film due for release. I was very sick. It was hard, and I wasn’t ready. There were all sorts of speculation and misinformation. The producers needed me to promote it, otherwise the film would just disappear. So, I agreed to do one interview. Obviously, I didn’t look the same. I was on high doses of medication to stay stable. I was forced to. Given a choice, I wouldn’t have come out and announced it,” she said.

Pic : Twitter