She worked with Dharmendra, Mammootty, married a sports star against her family's wishes and joined Miss India contest to win a TV set

Veteran actress-turned-politician Nafisa Ali has lived a life full of bold choices and remarkable achievements. From excelling as a national-level swimmer to winning beauty pageants, from entering Bollywood to stepping into politics, her journey has been anything but ordinary. Now, as she faces a serious health challenge with courage and grace, she continues to inspire many with her strength and positivity. On September 16, she shared an update about her health, revealing that she will be resuming chemotherapy, as surgery is currently not an option.

Nafisa Ali shares update on her health

Nafisa took to Instagram and opened up about her ongoing battle with cancer. First diagnosed in 2018 with stage 2 peritoneal and ovarian cancer, she wrote that this marks a “new chapter” in her journey. While surgery isn’t currently possible, she remains hopeful and strong in spirit. In her words: “Believe me, I love life."

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A post shared by Nafisa Ali Sodhi (@nafisaalisodhi)

Along with her health update, she shared a touching quote about sibling love, revealing a deeply emotional moment with her children. When they asked her, “Who will we turn to when you’re gone?” she replied, “Turn to each other. That is my greatest gift, siblings who share the same love and memories.”

Who is Nafisa Ali?

Before she stepped into the limelight as an actress, Nafisa was already making waves, literally. She was national swimming champion from 1972 to 1974. In 1976, she won the Eve’s Weekly Miss India title and represented India at Miss International, where she was crowned second runner-up. Interestingly, her motivation to join Miss India wasn’t fame, it was her wish to win a TV set for her family, a rare luxury at the time.

Her film debut came with Shyam Benegal’s Junoon in 1979, alongside Shashi Kapoor. Over the years, she acted in several memorable films, including Major Saab, Life in a Metro, Guzaarish, and Uunchai. She has also worked with Mammootty in Big B. Despite a promising acting career, she left Bollywood at the peak of her success.


Nafisa fell in love with R.S. Sodhi, a Sikh army officer and Arjuna Awardee. Their relationship wasn’t welcomed by her family, but that didn’t stop her. They had a 14-year age gap and got married through both civil registration and Sikh rituals. Initially rejected by her mother-in-law, Nafisa lived with her husband's friend’s family until she was eventually accepted.

Her public life didn’t end with cinema. Nafisa ventured into politics and contested the Lok Sabha elections from South Kolkata in 2004 and from Lucknow in 2009. Over the years, she has been associated with the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and eventually joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021 before the Goa Assembly elections.