Actor Sumona Chakravarti has revealed that she underwent surgery for Stage IV endometriosis after stepping away from social media for nearly two months, saying the procedure became necessary as the condition had progressed despite years of treatment and management.
The actor, who first disclosed her Stage IV endometriosis diagnosis in 2021, returned to Instagram to explain her prolonged absence and reflect on her recovery, personal growth and changing relationship with social media.
Sharing the update, she wrote, ""Happy to resurface after a long time. I've been living under a rock for the last two months."
She went on to say, "On 4th May, I underwent surgery for the excision of my endometriosis, which had unfortunately progressed massively despite me trying to manage it for years," Chakravarty added.
Describing the past several weeks as a period of recovery, Sumona said she had spent the last two months "healing physically and mentally. And today, I can honestly say that I am well. In fact very well," the television actor confessed, thanking her doctor and her team.
She admitted that she had wanted to stay active on WhatsApp and Instagram during that time but eventually realised it was not practical. "After all, I'm not retiring to the mountains just yet. I have work, family, friends, and life," she added.
The actor also spoke about her intention to use social media differently going forward. Rather than focusing on likes, comments and follower counts, she said she now hopes to foster meaningful conversations.
"What I'd like instead is to build a community of like-minded humans, especially women," the actor noted.
According to Sumona, she wants her platform to become a space for discussions around physical and mental health, perimenopause, endometriosis, overall wellness, travel, books, plants, food, pets, choosing to be single, and being part of a DINK (double income, no kids) couple.
In the same post, she addressed the inappropriate comments she has received online over the years, revealing that many of them objectified her body or contained vulgar and offensive remarks. She said most of those comments had come from men, while adding, "Good folks don't really engage publicly. They read. They like. They sometimes message me privately. And they move on."
Reflecting on how she plans to navigate such behaviour, Sumona wrote, "So, what's the solution? Yes, I am an actor. A female one. I'll attract a certain gentry. It comes with the territory. I am going to continue working and acting till my very last breath," she shared.
She also reiterated her decision to keep her personal life away from the public eye but said she wanted to speak openly about her experience with endometriosis in the hope that it could help others facing similar challenges.
The actor, who turned 38 in June, said the messages and wishes she received while staying off social media reminded her that genuine relationships exist beyond online platforms. "The point I am trying to make is that it reminded me that Instagram is not the benchmark for love, relationships, or how much you're remembered," she further added.
Sumona said she now places greater value on the life she is living away from the internet. She also shared that the surgery has left "three visible scars" on her abdomen and admitted that while they still affect her emotionally, she has learned to view them differently.
"Scars and memories are proof of a life lived," she added with pride.
She concluded with a reflection on growing older, writing, "At 38, I'm realising that growing older isn't something to fear. It's a privilege. If age brings a little more wisdom, a little more perspective, a little more gratitude, and a few scars along the way. I'll take every single one of them."
Wrapping up her message, Sumona said she wants her Instagram account to reflect her true personality and assured followers that she would continue sharing updates about her work and fitness journey. She also revealed that she made a last-minute decision to travel to Istanbul on her birthday, adding the caption: "38 looks good on me."
Her heartfelt post drew messages of support from fellow actors and fans. Archana Puran Singh wished her "healing, peace, and all good things," while Karan V Grover, Arti Singh and Ayushmaan Sethi left heart and star emojis in the comments.
Among the responses from fans, one commented, "So wholesome! Bestest post."
Another wrote, "More power to you."
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