Sonali Bendre’s Naturopathy Claim Draws Fierce Rebuke From Doctors Over Cancer Recovery

Bollywood Actor Sonali Bendre has sparked a heated debate in the medical community after crediting autophagy—a cellular process promoted in naturopathic circles—for aiding her recovery from stage-4 metastatic cancer diagnosed in 2018. On November 22, 2025, the 50-year-old star shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) stating that a study on autophagy introduced by her naturopath had been instrumental during her treatment journey, adding that she continues to follow it. While she did not claim it cured her cancer or dismiss conventional therapy, several prominent doctors accused her of irresponsibly promoting unproven alternative practices that could mislead vulnerable patients.

Bendre was treated at New York’s prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she underwent aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. She announced remission and returned cancer-free to India in 2019. Leading the criticism was hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known online as “The Liver Doc,” who pointed out that her successful outcome was due to evidence-based modern medicine, not naturopathy. “Your cancer went into remission after chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery at an advanced cancer treatment hospital—not because of naturopathy, not because of autophagy,” he wrote, warning that celebrity endorsements of pseudoscience can delay life-saving treatment and cause harm.

Multiple oncologists and specialists echoed Philips’ concerns, labeling the promotion of naturopathy in cancer care as “dangerous quackery.” One senior oncologist wrote, “Celebrity cancer survivors are powerful voices for science-based treatment. By sharing unproven methods without clear context, you risk patients abandoning proven therapy.” Others cited documented cases where individuals died after opting for alternative remedies over chemotherapy or radiation and referenced warnings from global regulators like the U.S. FDA against fraudulent cancer “cures” sold under the naturopathy banner.

Also Read: 24/11/2025 Horoscope: Scorpio Steps into Power as Leadership Opportunities Open Today

Some fans defended Bendre, arguing she never claimed autophagy replaced medical treatment and was simply sharing a practice that helped her cope mentally and physically alongside chemotherapy. They noted that she explicitly mentioned researching the approach herself and continuing conventional follow-ups. However, doctors countered that even implied endorsement from a high-profile survivor carries immense weight and can be misinterpreted by desperate patients seeking any glimmer of hope, especially in a country where unregulated alternative practitioners thrive. Bendre has not responded to the backlash at the time of publication.

Also Read: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Declares Ram Temple in Ayodhya Marks End of Centuries of Humiliation