Dipika Kakar turns 40: From TV’s beloved Simar to a cancer warrior, a look at her journey so far

Dipika Kakar

TV actress Dipika Kakar, who is celebrating her 40th birthday today (August 6), was born in Pune, Maharashtra. She began her career as a flight attendant with Jet Airways before she took a leap into the world of entertainment around 2010.

She made her TV debut in 'Neer Bhare Tere Naina Devi', but it was her role of Simar Prem Bharadwaj in Sasural Simar Ka (2011–2017), that became a turning point in her career and making her a household name.

Dipika Kakar shifted her focus from TV shows and took a break. Later, in 2018, she was one of the contestants of the 12th season of hit reality TV show Bigg Boss. She went on to win Bigg Boss 12, earning the affection and support of millions in a 106‑day stint inside the house.

After a brief hiatus, she was seen in a very different role of Sonakshi in Kahaan Hum Kahaan Tum (2019–2020). Dipika showcased her versatility as she portrayed the life of a television actress opposite a doctor, winning praise for her fresh on‑screen chemistry with Karan V. Grover.

Dipika also made her Bollywood debut with the war drama Paltan (2018), directed by J.P. Dutta. She shared screen space with big names like Jackie Shroff and Arjun Rampal

Marriage and Conversion to Islam 

In 2018, Dipika married her Sasural Simar Ka co‑star Shoaib Ibrahim. She also converted to Islam and adopted the name Faiza Ibrahim.

In June 2023, the couple had their first child, a son named Ruhaan. Through her vlogs on YouTube, Dipika shares her experiences as a mother and homemaker.

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She had a miscarriage before getting pregnant with Ruhaan, which she described as an extremely painful and raw situation that showed her fans how honest she was with her feelings.

Battle with Stage 2 Liver Cancer

In May 2025, Dipika's fans were left shocked when she revealed she had been diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer, after doctors found a tumour the size of a tennis ball.

The cancer had not yet spread to other organs, and Dipika then shared her journey openly with fans with the hope that this would inspire others facing similar struggles.

Dipika revealed in her vlog that she underwent a grueling 14-hour surgery to remove the tumour and subsequently began targeted therapy.

Dipika also revealed that the treatment caused mild side effects like ulcers on her tongue and hands. But she said she is following her doctor's advice.

Perhaps the most emotional revelation was how abruptly she had to wean her two-year-old son, Ruhaan, overnight, due to treatment requirements. It was a decision, Dipika described as the hardest part of her cancer journey.

Throughout this journey, her husband and actor Shoaib Ibrahim has been a pillar of strength. He keeps sharing updates, cares for Dipika, and reassures fans that they trust in her faith and the support around her during this ongoing recovery.

As Dipika turns 40, she reflects on life’s fragility with gratitude. In the run-up to her birthday, she shared moments of joy in her vlogs: cooking at home, receiving heartfelt gifts and notes from her father‑in‑law, and playing games with her son.

There were speculations that she might make a television comeback - potentially with Dreamiyata Entertainment alongside Vivian Dsena but nothing has come out of it yet.

Wishing Dipika a very happy 40th birthday.