How Sonali's son has become her life force

Actress Sonali Bendre, who’s been diagnosed with a high-grade cancer for which she is undergoing treatment in New York, on Thursday revealed how maturely her 12-year-old son handled the news of her diagnosis.

The emotional mother posted on Instagram, “From the moment he was born 12 years, 11 months and 8 days ago, my amazing @rockbehl took ownership of my heart. From then on, his happiness and well-being have been the centre of anything @goldiebehl and I ever did. And so, when the Big C reared its ugly head, our biggest dilemma was what and how we were going to tell him.”

She said how surprised she was by his reaction, and to see him become her strength at this trying time.

“He took the news so maturely… and instantly became a source of strength and positivity for me. In some situations now, he even reverses roles and takes on being the parent, reminding me of things I need to do!” she said.

The actress also used the opportunity to share a word of advice for others who may find themselves in a similar position. “I believe that it’s imperative to keep kids involved in a situation like this. They are a lot more resilient than we give them credit for. It’s important to spend time with them and include them, rather than make them wait on the side-lines, not being told yet instinctively knowing everything. In our effort to protect them from the pain and realities of life, we might end up doing the opposite,” she said.