Sonali Bendre 'NOT A Quack'; Actress Hits Back At Backlash Over Favouring Autophagy As Cure For Cancer

Sonali Bendre was diagnosed with Stage Four metastatic cancer in 2018. The actress successfully fought the ‘Big C’ after undergoing treatment in a New York City hospital. In 2021, she was declared cancer-free.

Recently, Bendre shared a tweet on X favouring Autophagy. However, Cryriac Abby Philips, who goes by the name of The Liver Doc on X, criticised Sonali for the tweet. Reacting to the backlash, the Pati Patni Aur Panga host issued a statement, clarifying the intention behind the tweet.

Sonali Bendre reacts to backlash

Sonali’s statement read, “I have never claimed to be a doctor, but I'm certainly not a quack either. I am a cancer survivor, someone who has lived through the fear, pain, uncertainty, and rebuilding that the disease brings. Everything I've ever spoken about has been my experience and my learning. As I've repeatedly said, no two cancers are the same and no treatment path is identical. One of the many protocols I personally explored, after thorough research and medical guidance, was autophagy. It made a difference for me then, and continues to do so today... for me (sic).”

https://t.co/zvurHrdE6G pic.twitter.com/oble5wQomC

— Sonali Bendre Behl (@iamsonalibendre) November 24, 2025

ALSO READ: Sonali Bendre Does Not Want A Biopic Made on Her Life; Here’s Why - Exclusive She further added, “What truly matters is open, respectful dialogue. We don't all have to agree, but we should avoid dismissing one another simply because we lean toward different approaches. Each person must choose what feels right, safe, and empowering for them. I will always share my journey with honesty and humility, never as a prescription, but as lived experience.”

What did Sonali Bendre tweet?

On November 21, Sonali tweeted on X, “In 2018, when I was diagnosed with cancer, this study really helped me. My naturopath introduced me to it, I researched it, and this is what I followed - Autophagy for healing. And I continue to follow it till date (sic).”

In 2018, when I was diagnosed with cancer, this study really helped me. My naturopath introduced me to it, I researched it, and this is what I followed - Autophagy for healing. And I continue to follow it till date. https://t.co/LYNbsz09Hh

— Sonali Bendre Behl (@iamsonalibendre) November 21, 2025

The Liver Doc replied to Sonali, “I expected better from you. Cancer-survivors, especially celebrity cancer-survivors are an important asset/ resource for cancer patients and their families when it comes to science based, rationalistic and logical therapeutic journeys which help improve outlook towards cancer diagnosis, care and prevention. You are not helping here, by promoting quackery.”

Dear Ms. Bendre, as a clinician sub-specialist treating a multitude of cancer patients daily, I expected better from you. Cancer-survivors, especially celebrity cancer-survivors are an important asset/ resource for cancer patients and their families when it comes to science… https://t.co/M7KAMbYAXv pic.twitter.com/sJhMtMomlx

— TheLiverDoc™ (@theliverdr) November 22, 2025

Workwise, Sonali was last seen in Pati Patni Aur Panga on Colors. She hosted the reality show with Munawar Faruqui.