Celebrity

Dipika Kakar Begins Immunotherapy After New Cyst Diagnosis — Husband Shoaib Ibrahim Shares Emotional Health Update from Kokilaben Hospital

Television actress Dipika Kakar has started immunotherapy at Kokilaben Hospital after two new cysts were detected in her latest MRI scan, while husband Shoaib Ibrahim also shared updates on his father's recovery from brain haemorrhage.
Dipika Kakar Immunotherapy Update - Kokilaben Hospital Mumbai

Popular television actress Dipika Kakar, known for her role in the long-running show Sasural Simar Ka and her victory on Bigg Boss 12, has begun immunotherapy treatment at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after two new cysts were detected in her latest MRI scan. Her husband, actor Shoaib Ibrahim, shared the emotional health update through his YouTube channel, where the couple have been documenting their journey through Dipika’s cancer treatment with remarkable openness.

Shoaib confirmed that no surgery is currently planned for the cysts, as they are too small for surgical intervention. Instead, doctors have recommended immunotherapy as the next phase of treatment. Separately, Shoaib also shared positive updates about his father, who is recovering from a brain haemorrhage at the same hospital.

Dipika’s Health Journey

Dipika Kakar was diagnosed with liver cancer approximately a year ago, a revelation that shocked the Indian television industry and her millions of fans. Since the diagnosis, the 37-year-old actress has undergone multiple rounds of treatment including chemotherapy, while Shoaib has documented the family’s experiences in a series of candid vlogs that have provided a rare, unfiltered look at the realities of cancer treatment.

In the latest update, Shoaib explained that Dipika’s most recent MRI scan revealed the presence of two new “dot-sized” cysts. “We went for an MRI last Monday, and since then hospital visits were frequent because in the MRI two small cysts were seen,” Shoaib said in the vlog. “The cysts are so small that they wouldn’t have been seen in a CT scan, but since MRI is sensitive, they were spotted.”

Dipika herself addressed the situation with the same composure she has shown throughout her treatment. “They are very small now, so we cannot take any action on them for now,” she said in the video, adding that doctors have advised monitoring the cysts alongside the immunotherapy regimen.

Immunotherapy: What It Involves

Immunotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks rapidly dividing cells broadly, immunotherapy works by stimulating specific immune responses or by removing barriers that prevent the immune system from recognising cancer cells.

For liver cancer patients, immunotherapy has emerged as an increasingly important treatment option, particularly in cases where the cancer has not responded fully to conventional approaches or where new growths — such as the cysts detected in Dipika’s scan — require a different therapeutic strategy.

Shoaib shared that Dipika’s immunotherapy sessions have commenced at Kokilaben Hospital. “Deepika’s immunotherapy has just started and is currently underway,” he said. “Today, I came here from Kokilaben Hospital and have been with her for the past few hours. I plan to stay here until her immunotherapy session is completed.”

The actor was careful to dismiss rumours circulating on social media that Dipika would be undergoing surgery. “I received many messages asking whether Dipika will be undergoing surgery. I want to clarify that no surgery is planned at this time,” he said firmly.

Shoaib’s Father: Recovery from Brain Haemorrhage

Adding to the family’s challenges, Shoaib’s father has been hospitalised following a brain haemorrhage. In his update, Shoaib shared that his father’s condition has improved significantly and that a transfer from the ICU to a regular ward was expected imminently.

“Papa is doing much better now. There are still a few things that will take time, such as his speech and the strength on the right side of his body. He can move his hand, but he is not yet able to lift it properly,” Shoaib explained. “His rehabilitation sessions will begin soon, and we are hopeful about his recovery.”

In an emotional moment in the vlog, Shoaib described hearing his father speak for the first time in over a week. “After nearly 10 days, I heard him talk again. He is now speaking, understanding things better, smiling, laughing, and responding clearly whenever we ask him something,” he said, visibly moved.

Shoaib said his father had undergone a tracheostomy, and doctors fitted a speaking valve to help him communicate. The elder Ibrahim is expected to continue rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and speech therapy, for several more weeks.

Industry Support and Fan Response

The Indian television industry has rallied around Dipika and Shoaib during this difficult period. Several co-stars and industry colleagues have publicly expressed their support, while fans have flooded social media with messages of encouragement. The couple’s transparency about Dipika’s treatment has been widely praised for helping to destigmatise cancer and encouraging early medical intervention.

The broader entertainment industry has faced its own share of health-related news in recent weeks, with the passing of film producer and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani after a battle with liver cirrhosis serving as a sobering reminder of the fragility of health even among public figures.

Celebrity health updates have consistently generated significant public interest in India, where stars often serve as role models. Aamir Khan’s personal life revelations and other celebrity news stories have demonstrated the deep connection between India’s entertainment personalities and their audiences — a bond that becomes especially poignant during moments of vulnerability.

What Lies Ahead

Dipika is expected to continue her immunotherapy sessions over the coming weeks, with regular monitoring of the newly detected cysts through periodic scans. The treatment’s effectiveness will be assessed based on whether the cysts shrink, stabilise, or grow — outcomes that will determine the next course of action.

For Shoaib, the dual responsibility of supporting both his wife and his father through serious health challenges has been visibly taxing, but the actor has consistently projected resilience and optimism in his public updates. The couple’s willingness to share their journey has not only kept fans informed but has also raised awareness about liver cancer, the importance of regular screening, and the evolving treatment options available to patients in India.

Dipika Kakar’s fans and well-wishers continue to hope for a full recovery, and her fight against cancer has become one of the most closely followed health stories in Indian entertainment.

Ankit Thakur

Ankit Thakur

Ankit Thakur is an Editor at Daily Tips overseeing sports and entertainment coverage. A lifelong sports enthusiast with years of journalism experience, he covers cricket, kabaddi, football, esports, and gaming. He also manages the publication's entertainment vertical, bringing insider knowledge and passionate storytelling to every piece.

View all posts by Ankit Thakur →