In November 2018, Nafisa Ali announced that she is suffering from peritoneal, ovarian cancer. A family person that she is, Nafisa said her children are the reason for her to get better through her struggle to overcome the disease.

She shared this photo of herself along with former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. In the post, Nafisa Ali Sodhi announced that she is suffering from "stage 3 cancer". "Just met my precious friend who wished me luck and to get well from my just diagnosed stage 3 cancer," she had captioned the image.

In her Instagram post, Ali wrote a brief introduction: "I am Nafisa Ali Sodhi and I would like an elegant role to portray in Indian cinema. So looking for a perfect script as a senior actor, I need to work to express my emotions. I will not be dictated to. May God give each of us the strength to follow our dreams."

In picture: Former Miss India and social activist Nafisa Ali (C) shares a light moment with her daughter Armana (R) and her son Ajit (L) while she files her nomination to contest in the south-Calcutta constituency in Calcutta, 23 April 2004.

The actor said she would love to be a part of a Salman Khan film as she shared a good friendship with his father, writer Salim Khan. "I would love to be a grandmother or an elderly person in a sensitive Salman Khan movie. When I did 'Junoon', I was great friends with Salim-Javed (writer duo). Salman and all were so small at that time. I used to teach them swimming. Salman is special, he is like a kid. He has a heart of gold. Mistakes happen in life..."

In picture: Former Miss India and Indian film actress turned Social worker Nafisa Ali (c) meets child cancer patients during Rose Day celebrations at a fast food restaurant in New Delhi, 26 September 2007.

Asked if her post had led to any offers, Nafisa Ali said it had but she would talk about it when things materialise.

In picture: Former US First lady Laura Bush, (C), stands with Nafisa Ali, chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India as they meet the cast of the Indian version of the children's TV show Sesame Street, called "Galli Galli Sim Sim", at their film studio on the outskirts of New Delhi 02 March 2006.

Nafisa Ali believes today both storytelling and the audiences' preference have changed. "There are blockbuster movies but the storytelling today has become interesting. The after effects and all is good. The audience has to be motivated to see a film. Today the audience has become sharper. Today people don't want to see a slapstick, mediocre or badly performed film. People want to see good cinema."

In picture: Nafisa Ali (R) offers fruits to elephants during a procession for the first convention of Vishwa Dharma Raksha Parishad, a hindu religious group, in Ayodhya 29 August 2002.

Here's wishing a very happy birthday to Nafisa Ali Sodhi!

In picture: Former beauty queen, Miss India, film actress turned AIDS activist Nafisa Ali addresses a press conference in a brothel at New Delhi's Red Light area 21 October 2000. Nafisa said All sex workers take the identity card will have to pledge that they will support in the fight against HIV/AIDS and also oppose child sex prostitution