Why Sneha Ullal Stepped Away from Bollywood: A Journey of Fame, Illness and Resilience

Once hailed as Bollywood’s next big sensation and often compared to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, actress Sneha Ullal captured national attention at just 17 with her debut opposite Salman Khan in “Lucky: No Time for Love” (2005). However, despite a promising start and immense public curiosity, Sneha gradually disappeared from the Bollywood spotlight—leaving fans wondering about her sudden absence. The reason, as the actress later revealed, was a serious autoimmune disorder that changed the course of her life and career.

Born and raised in Muscat, Oman, Sneha moved to Mumbai for her education and was discovered by Arpita Khan, Salman Khan’s sister. Her striking resemblance to Aishwarya Rai instantly became a talking point, bringing her both recognition and intense scrutiny. While the comparisons gave her instant fame, Sneha later admitted that they did little to help her grow as an actor.

After her initial Bollywood films failed to perform strongly at the box office, Sneha chose to take a step back, feeling she was too young and needed maturity before continuing in Hindi cinema. She later found success in the South Indian film industry, particularly in Telugu films, where her career gained momentum.

Just as her professional life seemed to stabilize, Sneha faced a major health crisis around 2014. She was diagnosed with an autoimmune blood disorder, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks itself. The illness left her extremely weak—so much so that she could not stand for more than 30 to 40 minutes at a time. Continuing film shoots worsened her condition, forcing her to take a four-year break from acting.

In a candid interview, Sneha shared the physical and emotional toll of the disease. “There came a time when I no longer had the strength to work as an actress—running, dancing, or shooting continuously became impossible. I had to stop, take medication, and focus entirely on healing,” she said. Despite the challenges, she remained mentally strong, supported by close friends and family.

During her recovery, Sneha adopted a disciplined lifestyle—following a gluten-free diet, avoiding sugar and dairy, practicing yoga, swimming, and working out regularly. She also stayed away from public events and award functions, choosing health over visibility at a time when appearances matter greatly in show business.

Sneha Ullal made a gradual return to work with select films, web series, and regional projects, including a ZEE5 web series and recent film appearances. Today, at 38 years of age, she remains unmarried, active on social media with over one million followers, and continues to inspire many with her story of perseverance.

From early stardom to sudden disappearance and a quiet, determined comeback, Sneha Ullal’s journey reflects the often unseen struggles behind glamour—proving that resilience and self-care can be as powerful as fame itself.