The Price of a Habit: Remembering Vinod Khanna Courageous Health Battle

New Delhi, February 9, 2026: The legendary Vinod Khanna remains an icon of Indian cinema—a man who transitioned seamlessly from a brooding villain to a definitive leading man, and eventually, a spiritual seeker and politician. However, years after his passing in 2017, new details have emerged regarding the private health struggles of the “monk who sold his Mercedes.”

In a recent candid revelation, his wife, Kavita Khanna, shared the harrowing reality of the actor’s medical journey, shedding light on a side of the superstar that the public rarely saw.

A Hidden Struggle: Two Types of Cancer

While the world was aware that the veteran actor succumbed to advanced bladder cancer, Kavita Khanna revealed that his health battles began much earlier. Long before the bladder cancer diagnosis, Vinod Khanna fought—and initially won—a quiet war against lung cancer.

According to Kavita, the actor’s intense lifestyle during the height of his stardom played a significant role in his health complications. At the peak of his career, Khanna was known to be a heavy smoker, reportedly consuming between 40 to 80 cigarettes a day.

“He was a heavy smoker… it took a toll on his body,” Kavita shared, highlighting the long-term consequences of nicotine addiction that shadowed his later years.

The Timeline of a Fighter

The revelation provides a clearer picture of the timeline of his illness:

• The First Battle: Khanna was first diagnosed with lung cancer, which he managed to overcome through rigorous treatment.
• The Remission: For a period, the actor remained in remission, continuing his work in films and politics.
• The Second Diagnosis: Years later, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Despite seeking the best medical care globally, including treatments in Germany, the disease eventually proved fatal.

Beyond the Screen: A Legacy of Resilience

Vinod Khanna’s story is not just one of medical struggle, but of incredible resilience. Even while dealing with the physical taxation of his illnesses, he remained committed to his duties as a Member of Parliament and his passion for the arts.

His journey serves as a sobering reminder of the long-term impacts of smoking. While his “tough guy” persona on screen made him appear invincible, his private battle showed a man of immense vulnerability and strength.

A Lesson for the Future

By sharing these intimate details, Kavita Khanna hasn’t just offered a tribute to her late husband; she has issued a silent warning about the dangers of heavy smoking. The “40 to 80 cigarettes a day” figure is a startling statistic that underscores the importance of respiratory health awareness.

Vinod Khanna passed away on April 27, 2017, but his influence on Bollywood and his story of personal transformation continue to inspire millions.