Model and actor Sana Makbul, who became a household name after winning Bigg Boss OTT 3 in 2024, has opened up about a serious health battle she’s facing. In a deeply emotional statement, she revealed that her autoimmune hepatitis has now progressed to liver cirrhosis — a condition that could lead to a liver transplant if not controlled in time. Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, Sana is determined to stay strong, hoping for recovery without going under the knife.
The Hidden Fight Behind Her Smile
Sana’s battle with autoimmune hepatitis wasn’t new. She had been silently living with the disease for some time. Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic illness where the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing inflammation and damage over time.
“I’ve been living with autoimmune hepatitis for a while now, but recently things got worse. My immune system started attacking my liver more aggressively, and I’ve now been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis,” she said.
Fighting with Strength, Not Fear
Even as she processes her diagnosis, Sana remains focused on healing and resilience. She shared that she has now started immunotherapy — a powerful treatment designed to stop the immune system from attacking her liver.
“The doctors and I are doing everything we can to avoid a liver transplant. I’ve started immunotherapy — it’s really intense and tiring. Some days are harder than others. But I’m holding on to hope,” she said.
Despite the exhaustion, she hasn’t lost her spirit. “I just want to get better without needing something as big as a liver transplant. It’s not going to be easy, but I am not ready to give up so easily. Some days I cry, some days I laugh, but every day, I try. As they say, healing is a journey, and I’m learning as I go.”
Understanding Liver Cirrhosis and Autoimmune Hepatitis
Liver cirrhosis is a condition where long-term damage to the liver leads to scarring. Over time, these scars interfere with the liver’s ability to function — making it harder to filter toxins, process nutrients, or support digestion.
According to Dr. Saiprasad Girish Lad, a gastroenterologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, “Liver cirrhosis develops gradually due to conditions like chronic alcohol use, hepatitis infections, or fatty liver. But in cases like Sana’s, autoimmune hepatitis is the root cause.”
He explains, “Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells. If left untreated, it causes chronic inflammation and scarring, eventually leading to cirrhosis. The good news is, with early diagnosis and proper medication, it’s possible to control the condition and prevent long-term damage.”
Why Early Detection Matters
Autoimmune hepatitis is not easy to catch in its early stages because the symptoms can be vague. Fatigue, mild discomfort, or joint pain are often overlooked. However, if diagnosed early, treatment can be started before serious liver damage sets in.
Sana’s openness about her journey brings attention to this rare but serious disease. Her story highlights how important it is to listen to our bodies, seek medical help early, and stay consistent with treatment.
A Voice of Hope and Strength
By sharing her personal health battle, Sana Makbul has become more than just a reality show winner — she’s a voice of strength for others silently fighting chronic conditions. Her honesty reminds us that behind fame and glamour, real struggles exist. She’s proof that courage doesn’t always roar; sometimes it simply whispers, “Try again tomorrow.”
Her words strike deep: “Some days I cry, some days I laugh, but every day, I try.” For those navigating their own healing journeys, Sana’s message is clear — it’s okay to break down, it’s okay to feel tired, but it’s never okay to give up.
