Sharib Hashmi and his wife Nasreen Hashmi share their emotional battle with cancer and how travel has strengthened their relationship over the years.Speaking to Haterrfly, Nasreen was first diagnosed with oral cancer in 2018, around the same time Sharib’s career was seeing a major breakthrough with The Family Man.
“He came home in the middle after realizing that my reports were needed”
Recalling the day she received the diagnosis, Nasreen shared that Sharib was on her way to lunch with The Family Man team when he returned home after collecting the biopsy reports.“I remember that day very clearly. I picked up my daughter from school and came home with the swag. She was going to lunch with the Family Man team,” he said.He added that Nasreen encouraged him to go ahead with his plans, but Sharib suddenly remembered midway through that his medical reports were due that day.“He came home half way after realizing that my reports were due that day. I then told him that the report confirmed cancer. He was completely devastated as I was told not to worry because he would be fine,” she recalled.
Nasreen Hashmi says the cancer has recurred six times
Nasreen also said that she has had five surgeries so far and is facing her sixth relapse.“My cancer is very aggressive, and that’s why it keeps recurring. It’s the sixth time now, and this time it’s spread more,” he said.Despite repeated setbacks, the couple said they have learned to fight the disease with strength and positivity.Sharib praised his wife’s resilience and acknowledged that her courage was the family’s greatest source of strength during difficult times.“The way he faced it gave us all courage. Slowly, we all became fighters along with him,” shared the actor.
‘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 get to the hospital,” she said.She added that Sharib would sit by her side for hours at the hospital and refuse to leave even when others suggested she should go home and rest.“It always gave me peace of mind knowing he was there,” she said.Nasreen added that Sharib managed all the treatment expenses without borrowing money from anyone, despite the financial pressure of long-term cancer treatment.“In a year or half, huge amounts go into treatment. But he managed everything without taking a single loan, which means a lot to me,” he 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 say ‘I love you’ to each other anymore because there’s no need for that,” Nasreen said with a laugh.The couple explained that simple gestures like hugging before leaving the house, checking in on each other throughout the day and being relaxed with each other 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 Manoj Bajpayee starrer The Family Man. Over the years, the actor has received accolades for his work in films and web series including Slumdog Millionaire, Badmashiyaan and Asur.
