Dipika Kakar, the television actress known for her role in "Sasural Simar Ka," has been candidly sharing her health journey with her fans since being diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer in May 2025. Following a 14-hour surgery in June to remove a malignant tumor, her gallbladder, and a portion of her liver, she has been undergoing targeted therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. While her medical reports, including blood tests, are currently normal, Dipika has recently opened up about a challenging side effect of her treatment: severe hair loss.

In a recent vlog, Dipika revealed the emotional impact of this side effect. "In Shoaib's vlog I mentioned that the blood report has come normal. However, what's affecting me at the moment is the hair loss I've been facing as a side effect. Every time I see my hair fall in huge numbers after a wash, I get shocked,” she shared. Despite the distress caused by the hair loss, Dipika maintains a positive outlook, focusing on the importance of the treatment for her overall health.

Dipika's husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, has been a constant source of support throughout her cancer journey. He reassured fans that Dipika's health is gradually improving and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received. Shoaib also fell ill recently, adding to the challenges the couple is facing. Their son, Ruhaan, has been a source of joy and levity, even playfully "treating" his father with pretend injections.

This isn't the first time Dipika has spoken about the side effects of her treatment. In August, she shared that she was experiencing hair fall, body rashes, ulcers, and ENT issues. At the time, she mentioned feeling anxious about doctor visits and expressed that these side effects occur only in about 10 percent of patients undergoing targeted therapy. Despite these challenges, Dipika remains focused on the bigger picture, prioritizing the importance of the treatment for her long-term health.

According to oncosurgeon Dr. Meghal Sanghavi, hair loss is a common side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy, which target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. Dr. Sanghavi clarifies that experiencing these side effects doesn't necessarily indicate the cancer's return but rather that the body is recovering from the therapy. He recommends gentle scalp care, a protein-rich diet, and, in some cases, scalp-cooling caps to manage hair loss. Dr. Sanghavi emphasizes that these side effects are usually temporary and encourages patients to rely on medical reports and consult their oncologists with any concerns.

Dipika's initial diagnosis came after she experienced persistent stomach pain, leading to a CT scan that revealed a malignant tumor in her liver. Following the successful surgery to remove the tumor, doctors recommended targeted oral therapy to minimize the risk of recurrence. While less intense than traditional chemotherapy, this therapy comes with its own set of side effects, including the current hair loss Dipika is experiencing.

Despite the difficulties, Dipika continues to share her journey with her fans, offering a glimpse into the realities of cancer treatment and recovery. Her openness and positive attitude serve as an inspiration to many, and she continues to express gratitude for the support she receives from her family, fans, and medical team.