No Script, No Retakes: TV Actor Ayyaz Ahmed’s Emotional Journey as a Son Standing by His Mother Through Cancer

Indian television actor Ayyaz Ahmed, known for shows like MTV Roadies 5, MTV Splitsvilla 7, Crime Patrol, Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan, and Do Dil Ek Jaan, has often played strong roles on screen. But his toughest test came off camera when his mother, Mrs. Ruksana Begum, was diagnosed with kidney cancer. This is a deeply personal journey of a son and a family choosing to fight together.

The Big C Revelation

When doctors told us my mother had Renal Cell Carcinoma, my world collapsed,” Ayyaz recalls. “I couldn’t accept that she had kidney cancer. Every minute felt heavy, but I knew I couldn’t be weak in front of her. No matter how broken I felt inside, I chose to stay strong, smile, and act normal. I wanted her to believe that everything would be okay and that whatever lay ahead, we would face it together and overcome it as a family.”

Choosing to fight

As the treatment began, the surgery was  performed in Kolkata. Ayyaz, who is based in Mumbai, shared that his mother, who divides her time between Mumbai and Pune then initiated the  further treatment at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre.

Determined to act quickly, the family moved ahead with treatment. Mrs Ruksana Begum underwent a Radical Nephrectomy on 05 October 2024 at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre. Post-surgery, a structured treatment plan was followed. She was advised immunotherapy with Pembrolizumab and, since May 2025, has completed 10 cycles so far, along with regular monitoring and follow-ups.

Throughout her journey, Mrs Ruksana Begum showed remarkable calm and strength. “She never complained,” Ayyaz shares, adding that even on her hardest days, she reassured him that everything would be fine.

The Role of Patient-First Care

Ayyaz credits Dr Ravi Wategaonkar, Senior Medical Oncologist and Director and Dr Gaurav Jaswal, Director of Radiation Oncology and the entire team at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre for their clear communication and patient-first approach. “From surgery to follow-ups, everything was explained with empathy. The doctors treated my mother as a person, not just a patient,” he says, adding that the prompt care and emotional support helped the family during their toughest phase.

A message of hope

“For anyone going through a similar journey, never lose hope; there is no medicine more powerful than hope. Every problem has a solution if you stay positive,” says Ayyaz.

Compassionate Cancer Care

Mrs Ruksana Begum’s treatment was carefully planned with timely surgery, followed by structured immunotherapy and regular follow-ups. We follow a patient-first approach where empathy, clear communication, and emotional support are as important as medical care. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with the family to ensure continuity, trust, and compassionate guidance at every step,” said Dr Ravi Wategaonkar, Senior Medical Oncologist and Director, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre.