Sharmila Tagore revealed she was diagnosed with cancer. However, she chose to refrain from sharing much details about it. Sharmila made the shocking reveal when she appeared on Koffee With Karan 8. The veteran actress was on the show with her son, actor Saif Ali Khan. During the episode, Karan revealed he had offered Sharmila the role of Alia Bhatt’s grandmother. The character was eventually played by Shabana Azmi. It was during this chat that Sharmila revealed she battled cancer.
“I had offered Sharmila ji the part played by Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. She was my very first choice. Due to health reasons at that time, she couldn’t say yes but it is a regret I have,” Karan Johar told Saif Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore.
The veteran actress replied, “This is at the height of Covid. They hadn’t really grappled with Covid at that time. They didn’t know the vaccine… We were not vaccinated. You know, after my cancer. So, they didn’t want me to take that risk.” This is the first time Sharmila mentioned her battle with cancer.
Meanwhile, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was predominantly shot during the Covid-19 wave. Although Sharmila couldn’t be a part of the film, she met Shabana when she was in Delhi. At the time, Shabana took to her Instagram and shared a photo with Sharmila. “So happy to meet up with #Sharmila Tagore in Delhi,” she captioned the photo.
Sharmila moved base to New Delhi and has been living at the Pataudi Palace. Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Soha Ali Khan often visit her and spend time at the family home. Recently, the family celebrated Taimur Ali Khan’s birthday at the Pataudi Palace.
Koffee With Karan 8 streams on Disney+ Hotstar.
