Tannaz Irani on Overcoming Health Struggles and Surgery
Tannaz Irani opens up about her battle with severe health issues that left her wheelchair-bound, the challenges of hip replacement surgery, and her journey of resilience and recovery. Tannaz Irani, known for her performances in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai and other films, recently shared details about a challenging phase in her life when severe health issues confined her to a wheelchair. Reflecting on her journey, she credited her resilience for helping her overcome these obstacles. Having appeared in movies like Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, and 36 China Town, as well as popular TV shows such as Bigg Boss 3 and Maa Exchange, Tannaz has been a familiar face in the entertainment industry. However, in 2021, she began facing mobility issues that gradually worsened. Initial Symptoms and Misdiagnosis During a conversation on the Inner Habit podcast, Tannaz recalled her initial struggle. “I started noticing difficulty walking in 2021. At first, I thought it was a temporary issue or weight gain, so I joined MMA to get fitter. Unfortunately, that aggravated the problem. It got to a point where I couldn’t even stand to cook,” she said. Suspecting spinal issues, she sought treatment for three months, but the problem persisted. Over time, she developed an unusual limp, forcing her to walk by extending and pulling her leg back in a way that worsened her condition. A Complex Diagnosis Despite multiple MRIs and CT scans, doctors struggled to identify the root cause of her pain. Initially, she was suspected of having avascular necrosis (AVN), a condition often linked to excessive alcohol or steroid use. However, Tannaz clarified she had no such history, leaving her and the medical team puzzled. As her condition deteriorated, her knees, ankles, and back were also affected, further complicating her mobility. “Limping with a stick was something I couldn’t accept,” she admitted. Encouraged by her children to forgo the stick in public, they promised to support her instead. Living Through Pain During a vacation with friends, Tannaz relied on a wheelchair but faced excruciating pain, often crawling back to her room at night. “I was always on painkillers and sought help from various healers, desperate for relief,” she shared. Hip Replacement Surgery and Recovery Tannaz eventually underwent hip replacement surgery. However, the aftermath brought another shock. “On day zero, when they made me stand, I realized one leg was longer than the other. I was devastated and felt as though life had played a cruel joke on me,” she revealed. The realization left her deeply despondent, even questioning her will to continue. Despite the challenges, Tannaz’s story highlights her determination to persevere through adversity, inspiring many with her candid recounting of her struggles and recovery.
written by : Jayant Sehgal