MUMBAI: Shagufta Ali is battling financial problems and health issues. The actress has been under "lockdown" for the last four years, battling financial issues due to poor health and struggling to find work.

Known for TV shows like Saans, Sasural Simar Ka, and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Shagufta was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago, around the same time when the roles started drying up.

She has been out of work since 2018. Her last role was a cameo in the show Bepannaah.

She initially tried to manage the situation on her own by selling off her car and jewellery to pay mounting medical expenses, but has now reached out to the industry publicly as she was left with no other option.

"It's a long treatment and an expensive one, for which I was facing financial troubles. So I finally opened up to friends in the industry, asking for help because I was unable to carry on without support," Shagufta told PTI.

She said she has received aid from some of her colleagues from the industry, including Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai star Sumeet Raghavan, Savdhaan India host Sushant Singh, and Neena Gupta, her co-star and director of Saans.

"When they got to know I was going through financial woes, both Sumeet and Sushant, who call me 'Shagufta aapa', came forward and helped me. Even the Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) reached out to me. They will be doing whatever best they can."

Credits: Hindustan Times