Actress Dipika Kakar has been receiving treatment for cancer for more than a year. In June, she began a series of intensive immunotherapy sessions aimed at managing the recurrence of cysts in her liver. After completing her initial infusion last month, she proceeded with her second treatment on July 2. In her most recent vlog on YouTube, Kakar shared the difficulties her family has faced during this period, including her father-in-law’s hospitalization and her son Ruhaan’s emotional struggles, describing it as a particularly tough time.
Dipika was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor the size of a tennis ball in her liver in May of the previous year. Following surgery, a significant portion of her liver was removed along with the tumor. Sadly, earlier this year, she experienced a recurrence that necessitated another surgical procedure to excise additional cysts. In April, her husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, revealed that two new, albeit small, cysts were detected on her liver but were not yet large enough to warrant treatment. Following this third occurrence, Kakar opted for a more aggressive treatment plan, including immunotherapy.
After undergoing two cycles of immunotherapy, Dipika discussed the side effects she has been encountering. Previously, she had reported experiencing severe back pain. Recently, she commented, “Much has transpired in the last few days. My immunotherapy is proceeding well, and I have completed the second cycle. This past month has been quite overwhelming. After my first cycle, my body took time to adapt to the new chemotherapy regimen. I have been experiencing side effects, including a viral fever that left me feeling very unwell. Following the second cycle, I am now dealing with body rashes and itching. I am gradually adjusting to this new reality. It’s been about three to four days since the second cycle, and while the side effects are challenging, I’m trying to stay strong and I feel better mentally. It was hard to see Ruhaan upset; he was particularly sad on the day of my second session. After returning to my YouTube vlogs, I felt rejuvenated, but last month’s events really stalled my progress.”
In a prior vlog, Shoaib Ibrahim mentioned, “Today marks Dipika’s second infusion, and we are heading to that appointment. Ruhaan has been quite cranky today. Over the last month, he has spent more time with Dipika. If her infusion is scheduled for the evening, I’ll return home to him afterward.” Dipika further explained, “In this month, Ruhaan has become more emotionally sensitive. He has noticed the house being quiet for days, which affected him significantly. He felt quite lonely. When we informed him about today’s visit, he was not happy about it. Since the morning, he has been insisting that we not go, but we are making sure that one of us stays with him.”
In April, regarding the cyst recurrence, Shoaib noted, “Two small cysts were detected in the MRI. They were too small to be identified via a CT scan, but the MRI’s sensitivity allowed us to see them.” Dipika added, “They are currently very small, so no action can be taken right now. We will repeat the scan in a month. Frequent scans have become a regular routine for us. We must keep a close watch; if any issues arise in the scans, we will address them immediately, as we did with the recent cyst.” He continued, “The doctors indicated that they will monitor these cysts, and when the time is right, we will proceed with their removal. Dipika’s immunotherapy started this week. Many doctors have recommended it, and we will need to visit the hospital every 20 days, with each session lasting four to five hours. At the moment, it’s not critical. If treatment is necessary after a month, we will follow the same procedure. What has happened has happened; we cannot change that.”
On June 7, as Dipika underwent her first immunotherapy session, Shoaib shared in a YouTube vlog, “Dipika’s immunotherapy is taking place at HN Reliance Hospital; the procedure will last three to four hours. After that, I will visit Kokilaben Hospital to see my father. We hope that Dipika’s treatment is effective. Many people have been inquiring if she will need another surgery. As of now, the doctor has not indicated that any surgery is imminent.”
On the professional front, Shoaib recently released a new video and is currently engaged in several other projects. Meanwhile, Dipika is concentrating on content creation and her fashion label.
DISCLAIMER: This article presents personal accounts of health experiences, medical diagnoses, and cancer treatments intended for educational and informational purposes. The narratives shared here are deeply personal and should not be construed as medical advice or definitive clinical information. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment, as this content does not substitute for professional counsel.
Nawaz Javed Kochra is an experienced entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, possessing nearly a decade of expertise in cultural reporting. With a focus on television and Over-The-Top (OTT) content, he has made a name for himself in the industry, recognized for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment landscape.
Experience & Career Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, which has provided him with a solid academic and ethical foundation. Over his 11-year career, he has worked with several leading media organizations in India, building a diverse portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media: The Indian Express: He currently oversees coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interviews. Former Roles: He began his career at the…
