Hina Khan, the beloved actress known for her roles in Indian television, has shared a poignant video documenting her decision to cut her hair short as she undergoes treatment for stage 3 breast cancer. The emotional clip, posted on Instagram, features Hina’s mother weeping as her daughter makes the brave choice to prepare for the side effects of chemotherapy.
A Heart-Wrenching Decision
In the video, Hina sits in front of a mirror while her friend braids her hair. Her mother is seen sitting nearby on the bed, visibly distressed. Hina, maintaining a composed demeanor, gently consoles her, saying, “Ro nahi please mumma. It’s just hair, mumma. Baal hain, aap nahi cut karte ho?” Despite her efforts, her mother’s tears continue to flow, prompting Hina to reassure her, “Bas. Aapki tabiyat kharab hojayegi.”
Taking Control of Her Journey
With a determined smile, Hina cuts the first pigtail herself, while her friend finishes the rest. The video shows Hina embracing her new short hair, feeling a sense of liberation. Her mother, unable to hold back her emotions, hugs Hina tightly, receiving a kiss on the cheek in return. “Not bad. I feel liberated,” Hina remarks, smiling at her reflection.
A Message of Strength and Resilience
Hina accompanied the video with a heartfelt note. She acknowledged the deep emotional pain her mother felt, saying, “You can hear my mother’s wailing voice in Kashmiri (blessing me) in the background as she prepared herself to witness something she never dared to imagine. Not all of us have the same tools at our disposal to manage heartbreaking emotions.”
Choosing Courage Over Fear
In her note, Hina addressed women fighting similar battles, acknowledging the significance of hair as a symbol of pride and beauty. “To all the beautiful people out there, especially women who are fighting the same battle, I know it’s hard. I know for most of us, our hair is the crown we never take off. But what if you’re facing a battle so tough that you have to lose your hair—your pride, your crown? If you want to win, you’ve got to take some tough decisions. And I choose to win,” she wrote.
Preemptive Measures
Hina shared her rationale for cutting her hair before it began to fall out, aiming to avoid prolonged emotional distress. “I have decided to give myself every chance possible to win this battle. I choose to let go of my beautiful hair before it starts falling off. I didn’t want to endure this mental breakdown for weeks. So, I choose to let go of my crown because I’ve realized my real crown is my COURAGE, my STRENGTH, and the love I have for myself,” she continued. She also revealed plans to use her cut hair to make a wig, emphasizing that while hair and eyebrows will grow back and scars will fade, the spirit must remain whole.
A Call for Support and Prayers
Hina concluded her message with a request for prayers and positive thoughts from her fans. “I am recording my story, my journey, to ensure that my efforts to embrace myself reach everyone out there. If my story can make even one day of this heartwarming yet excruciating experience better for someone, it’s worth it…May God ease our pain and give us strength to be victorious. Please Pray Pray Pray for me.”
Facing the Diagnosis
Hina Khan’s cancer diagnosis was confirmed on June 28. A few days prior, she shared a video of herself attending an award show before heading to the hospital for her first chemotherapy session. The video juxtaposed her glamorous appearance on the red carpet with the stark reality of her medical treatment, showcasing her resilience and determination to fight the disease.
Hina’s bravery and openness in sharing her journey continue to inspire and resonate with many, highlighting the importance of strength and support in the face of adversity.