Sharib Hashmi and his wife Nasreen Hashmi recently opened up about their emotional battle with cancer and how the journey strengthened their relationship over the years.Speaking to Hauterrfly, Nasreen revealed that she was first diagnosed with oral cancer in 2018, around the same time Sharib’s career was witnessing a major breakthrough with The Family Man.
‘He came back home halfway after realising my reports were due’
Recalling the day she received the diagnosis, Nasreen shared that Sharib was heading out with The Family Man team for lunch when she returned home after collecting her biopsy reports.“I remember that day very clearly. I had picked up my daughter from school and came home with the reports. He was leaving with the Family Man team for lunch,” she said.Nasreen added that she encouraged him to go ahead with his plans, but Sharib suddenly remembered midway that her medical reports were due that day.“He came back home halfway after realising my reports were supposed to come that day. That’s when I told him the report confirmed cancer. He was completely shattered, while I was the one telling him not to worry because everything would be fine,” she recalled.
Nasreen Hashmi reveals cancer has relapsed six times
Nasreen further shared that she has undergone five surgeries so far and is currently battling her sixth relapse.“My cancer is very aggressive in nature, which is why it keeps relapsing. This is now the sixth time, and this time it has spread more,” she said.Despite the repeated setbacks, the couple said they have learned to fight the disease together with strength and positivity.Sharib praised his wife’s resilience and admitted that her courage became the family’s biggest source of strength during difficult times.“The way she dealt with it gave all of us courage. Slowly, we all became fighters along with her,” the actor shared.
‘He never left my side’
Nasreen also spoke emotionally about Sharib’s unwavering support throughout her treatment journey.“He never left my side. No matter how busy he was with shoots or work, he somehow managed to reach the hospital,” she said.She added that Sharib would sit beside her for hours in the hospital and refuse to leave even when others suggested he should go home and rest.“It always gave me peace knowing he was there,” she said.Nasreen further revealed that Sharib managed all her treatment expenses without borrowing money from anyone despite the financial pressure that came with long-term cancer treatment.“Every one or one-and-a-half years, huge amounts go into treatment. But he managed everything without taking a single loan, and that means a lot to me,” she shared.
‘Love was the only constant’
The couple also reflected on how the health battle changed their relationship and strengthened their emotional bond.“We don’t even say ‘I love you’ to each other anymore because there’s no need for it,” Nasreen said with a laugh.The couple explained that simple gestures such as hugging before leaving home, checking on each other during the day, and quietly being present for one another have now become their love language.Sharib added, “Most of the time, we didn’t really have money. But love was the only constant.”Sharib Hashmi is best known for playing JK Talpade in The Family Man starring Manoj Bajpayee. Over the years, the actor has earned praise for his performances in films and web series including Slumdog Millionaire, Badmashiyaan, and Asur.
