Popular Bollywood leading lady Sonali Bendre has been diognosed with high grade cancer and has flown to New York for treatment.  She has shared on social media that she had casually visited a doctor with a niggling pain and was shocked with the bad news.  However Sonali has remained strong and is determined to fight it out with the help of her family and loved ones.

Sonali Bendre who made a special appearance in Mani Ratnam's 'Bombay' in the "Arabi kadaloram" song later acted as the leading lady in the super hit A.R. Rahman musical 'Kadhalar Dhinam' directed by Kathir.  She also starred opposite Arjun and Nizhalgal Ravi in Prabhu Solomon's debut film 'Kannodu Kanbathellam'.

Sonali in her statement has said "“Sometimes when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball. I have recently been diagnosed with high-grade cancer that has metastasized, which we frankly did not see coming. A niggling pain led to some tests, which led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family and close friends have rallied around me, providing the best support system that anyone can ask for. I am very blessed and thankful for each of them.” adding  "“There is no better way to tackle this than to take swift and immediate action. And so, as advised by my doctors, I am currently undergoing a course of treatment in New York. We remain optimistic and I am determined to fight every step of the way. What has helped has been the immense outpouring of love and support I’ve received over the past few days, for which I am very grateful. I’m taking this battle head-on, knowing I have the strength of my family and friends behind me.”