Mumbai: Actor Sanjay Dutt has reflected on his battle with Stage 4 lung cancer, revealing that he approached the life-threatening illness with determination rather than fear. Sharing his experience, the veteran actor said he treated cancer “like a viral flu” and believes that maintaining a positive mindset played a crucial role in his recovery.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in August 2020, Dutt underwent treatment in Mumbai and announced that he was cancer-free just a few months later. In a recent conversation with AIG Hospitals’ Dr D. Nageshwar Reddy, the actor opened up about the physical and emotional challenges of his journey while encouraging other cancer patients to keep fighting.
‘I treated it like a viral flu’
Speaking to fellow cancer survivors, Sanjay Dutt said he refused to let the diagnosis define him.
“You have to be a fighter. You can’t just give up,” he said, adding that every challenge in life should be faced head-on instead of avoided.
Recalling his own experience, the actor said he chose to look at the disease differently.
“For me, it’s like a viral flu,” he said, explaining that he consciously avoided allowing fear to take over. Instead, he focused on fighting the illness with confidence and determination.
Positive attitude made the difference
Dutt emphasised that cancer should never be seen as the end of the road.
He acknowledged that chemotherapy can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially because it often leads to hair loss and significant changes in appearance.
However, he stressed that these side effects should not discourage patients.
“What matters is the fight,” he said, urging people to trust their doctors, stay mentally strong and continue treatment with hope.
Actor admits he fears needles
Despite his fearless on-screen persona, Sanjay Dutt made a surprising confession during the interaction.
The actor admitted that he is “damn scared of needles”, making his cancer treatment even more challenging.
He also shared that although he does not practise yoga or meditation, he remains committed to regular fitness and works out in the gym every day, believing physical activity has helped him maintain his overall well-being.
A remarkable recovery
Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed after experiencing persistent breathlessness and fluid accumulation in his lungs.
Following chemotherapy and medical treatment in Mumbai, he recovered successfully and announced in October 2020 that he was cancer-free, a development that was welcomed by fans, friends and colleagues across the film industry.
Since then, the actor has returned to an active film career, taking on projects across multiple Indian film industries while continuing to inspire people with his story of resilience.
Inspiring cancer survivors
Dutt’s message centres on resilience, courage and maintaining hope during difficult times.
He encouraged cancer patients not to surrender to fear, saying every battle becomes easier when faced with determination and the right medical support.
His candid remarks about fear, treatment and recovery have resonated with many survivors, highlighting that emotional strength can be just as important as physical treatment during a serious illness.
