Actress Hamsa Nandini on being diagnosed with breast cancer: 'My career depends on physical appearance, it was scary'

Actress Hamsa Nandini was diagnosed with Grade III Invasive Carcinoma (Breast Cancer) in 2021. After the unfortunate diagnosis, her life changed completely. However, she fought the battle with utmost bravery and soon, she came out of it as a warrior. Hamsa Nandini often shares her journey and how she battled the deadly disease. In a recent interaction with Brut, she highlighted the impact of cancer on her professional as well as personal life. Hamsa Nandini was popular for her dance numbers in Telugu films. However, her career took a toll after she was diagnosed with cancer because it had an adverse impact on her physical appearance which is the key to being relevant in the entertainment industry. Speaking about how cancer affected her career journey, Hamsa said, “My entire career depends on physical appearance, energy level, my skin and my hair. For somebody like that, it’s very scary.” The actress further added that she decided to put herself out there. Hamsa went on to recount the challenges imposed due to chemotherapy. She said, “I had really long hair. I shaved it and made a wig out of my own because I wanted it to just look like me. I could not just let go of my hair at that time.” However, something changed within her and she decided to spread the word and went on to set an example for others fighting the same disease. Surprisingly, her move to come out with the toughest phase of her life earned her immense applause. Hamsa made her debut in the film Industry with the 2004 film Okatavudam. In a short span of time, she rose to prominence and got the opportunity to work with Nagarjuna and Jr NTR. Her career took a downfall after her diagnosis. But, she managed to rise above all the obstacles and left everyone stunned when made a comeback and shot for an ad without a wig. Sharing that being back on the set was a life-changing moment for her, Hamsa also revealed, “I enjoyed every bit of it because that’s just who I am. You put a camera in front of me and I am like a chill person.” She said that it was the best day of her entire treatment when she shot the ad for the popular cosmetic brand.