The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many financial troubles to TV and film artistes, leaving them broke and struggling for work.
Veteran TV and film actress Shagufta Ali too is having difficulty in making ends meet for the last 4 years, due to her health issues which have piled on.
Shagufta has starred in Bollywood films like International Khiladi, Hero No 1 and Laila Majnu and is known for TV shows like Sasural Simar Ka, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya and Bepannaah.
Talking to Spotboye about her plight, Shagufta revealed her battles with 3rd stage breast cancer and her increasing health troubles.
“I have been ill for the last 20 years but at that time I was young and I could handle it. That was the time when I had a lot of work in my hand. I was diagnosed with 3rd stage Breast cancer and had to go through major surgery and chemotherapy. But I was so dedicated to my work and my responsibilities towards the people I was taking care of – that on the 17th day of my surgery I travelled to Dubai with a cushion on my chest to shoot for my show!”
Shagufta further elaborated that she had a steel rod put in her hand due to an accident after her bone broke into two. Diabetes too has wrecked her health badly – affecting her feet with numbness and pain. It has also impacted her eyes, for which she’s undergoing treatment.
The actress has resorted to selling her CAR and jewellery to manage the financial crunch but the lockdown has further worsened the situation.
“From last four years, work has reduced. I have just done one film in between and that also hasn’t been completed. I shot for it before the pandemic. The last full-fledged work which I did was Saath Nibhana Saathiya for a stretch of 10-11 months.”
Shagufta, who has completed 36 years in the industry, prides herself on being a ‘self-made’ person but acknowledges that she’s in dire need now.
“I have sold my car, jewelry and have been traveling in auto rickshaws to go to the doctor. I have nothing left to sell now. I have taken a loan from the people which I have to repay. Other than that I have to pay house EMI’s, medical bills, and other things.”
Shagufta is staying with her 73-year-old mother who’s also riddled with diabetes, arthritis and a knee problem! Her father and brother have passed away and she has no one to lean on. Our heart goes out to the actress and we hope she overcomes this tough phase.
“I want financial help and also work. I hope that people will understand my situation and come ahead to support me,” she concluded on a pleading note.