Mumbai and Hyderabad, 14th July 2025: Devika Bahudhanam, Creative Producer known for her work on Baahubali and with director Nagesh Kukunoor, is currently undergoing her fifth relapse with multiple myeloma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. A widowed mother of two, including a son with disability and another son who is 12 years old. Devika has spent the last 7 years balancing critical illness, loss, and caregiving, while continuing to create stories that reflect strength through struggle.
She has already undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. Her doctors are now recommending Talquetamab, a life-saving injection that costs between Rs. 10 to 12 lakhs per month for an indefinite period of time. This amount is excluding other medical expenses. The cost of care has escalated to ₹4 crore and 50 Lakhs. Apart from selling her house, her family launched a crowd funding campaign on Ketto.org, which has already raised over ₹36 Lakhs and support from around 307 people. However, her goal is 450 Lakhs and is still urgently needed for her to access timely treatment.
In her TEDx talk, Devika shared how storytelling helped her navigate pain, uncertainty, and recovery. Her journey has since inspired thousands across India. The campaign also received support from actor Tamannaah Bhatia, who partnered with Tring’s Icons for Change initiative to help amplify Devika’s fundraise.
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“My journey has taught me that healing is not just medical, it’s emotional, financial, and deeply human. I’ve fought hard, again and again, and each time I’ve picked myself up, I’ve done it for my children, for the stories I still want to tell, and for the life I still want to live. This relapse has been the hardest yet, and I now find myself at a point where I can’t do it alone, I need support to cross the final stretch. Every contribution, every message, every gesture, big or small, reminds me that I’m not fighting this battle in isolation.” said Devika Bahudhanam.
“Devika’s story reflects the spirit of strength and community. At Ketto, we’re proud to help enable access to life-saving treatments and witness people coming together to support one another,” says Varun Sheth, Co-founder & CEO, Ketto.
The campaign has received overwhelming encouragement, but time is running out. Additional support is critical to bridge the remaining treatment cost and give Devika a fighting chance.
About Ketto.org:
Ketto.org, co-founded by Varun Sheth, Zaheer Adenwala, and actor Kunal Kapoor, strives to bridge the affordability gap by empowering individuals to raise funds for a wide range of causes, including health and medical emergencies, natural disasters, education, and more. Leveraging technology, Ketto aims to enhance efficiency, minimize redundancy, and make a significant impact in the social sector. Collaborating closely with hospitals, NGOs, and individuals, Ketto is dedicated to bringing about positive change in communities. Currently, Ketto campaigns successfully raise over Rs. 300 crores annually for various impactful causes.
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