Actor Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan’s sister, Saba Pataudi, has talked candidly about receiving a brain tumor diagnosis at the age of 27.

During a talk with Soha, Saba recalled how he had unexpectedly fainted one day, which prompted medical investigations that turned up an unexpected illness. She also discussed how the news that she might require brain surgery affected her emotionally and altered her perspective.

Saba recalled the event and clarified that she had not noticed any warning indicators prior to her fainting. Her stomach, which she characterized as a sensitive area for her, was initially thought to be the cause of the discomfort.

She remembered, saying, “It happened very suddenly. I didn’t have any pre-symptoms or any conditions that I think led up to it. One day, I went out and thought the problem was with my stomach, which has always been a sensitive point for me. I thought I had eaten or drunk something that hadn’t agreed with me. I suddenly fainted.”

Saba went on to say that at first, she believed the experience might have been caused by her blood pressure. She quickly became aware that something was off, though.

“I could feel myself becoming very uncomfortable, so I turned to a friend and said, ‘I don’t think I’m quite okay. Maybe we should head home.’ We were about to go out, but suddenly everything went blank. When I regained consciousness, I had already fallen on the road, just outside the building,” she added.

Saba claims that following the incident, it took her 20 to 25 minutes to get back to her usual routine. After that, she had an MRI, which prompted more research. Based on the description, doctors first thought she had a colloid cyst; however, a benign tumor was eventually identified.

Saba described the diagnosis as unexpected, stating, “It was something completely unexpected that happened to me at the age of 27, without any warning.”

At such a young age, she found it difficult to comprehend the possibility of having brain surgery. She commented, reflecting on the emotional upheaval, adding, “Your life suddenly goes numb because nothing feels normal after that. One day, you’re fine, and the next day, you’re told that you’re going to have brain surgery. It’s not something as simple as having your appendix removed. It shatters you in a way, but it also empowers you because you have to deal with it.”

Saba also discussed going through emotional shifts while attempting to accept the diagnosis, continuing, “I realised that I was very emotional. I would suddenly find myself crying without knowing why. You are trying to process news that you never expected to receive. What happened to me came with absolutely no warning.”

She additionally disclosed that one of her worries was the potential for dependence. Recalling her discussion with her physician during the course of therapy, Saba stated that she wanted to know if any further procedures would be necessary in the future.

“I asked the doctor, ‘What would you do if you had to do anything further?’ He said radiation was an option. I asked him, ‘Why don’t we just do everything while I’m here?’ Amma looked at me and said, ‘What’s with her?’ I just wanted to finish it. I didn’t want anything left behind.”

Via her story, Saba recalled the emotional difficulties of getting ready for brain surgery at the age of 27 as well as the uncertainty she had following an unexpected diagnosis.