Actor Nargis Fakhri, best known for her debut in Rockstar, has shared an honest update about her long battle with injuries and her ongoing recovery through regenerative treatments. The 46-year-old actor revealed that while she is “not 100 per cent fit,” she is seeing significant improvement after undergoing stem cell and platelet-based therapies.
Currently in Bengaluru, Fakhri shared on Instagram that she recently underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in multiple areas, including her neck, lower back, hip, hamstring, and both knees. “It was painful, but it didn’t last long. I’m back at my hotel and feeling much better as everything calms down,” she said.
The actor also disclosed that she underwent bone marrow stem cell therapy for her knees about two and a half months ago — a treatment she says has delivered noticeable results. “I feel 75 per cent better with my knees. I can actually feel the difference in recovery speed,” she explained.
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A Decade-Long Struggle with Knee Injuries
Fakhri revealed that her knee problems date back to 2013, when she suffered a partial meniscus tear. During rehabilitation, she discovered that her other knee had also developed a partial tear. Although doctors advised surgery, she opted for physiotherapy and strengthening exercises instead.
“I’m too scared of surgery,” she admitted, explaining that while physiotherapy eventually helped, the recovery process was slow and demanding. It reportedly took nearly a year for her to feel close to normal, and even then, she had to remain cautious.
Now, more than a decade later, she says regenerative therapy has accelerated her healing significantly. “In just two and a half months, I’ve seen 75–80 per cent improvement,” she noted, adding that diet, prescribed exercises, and consistency are crucial to achieving results.
What Are Stem Cell and PRP Therapies?
Dr. Gazanfar B. Patel, senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, explained that regenerative therapies are increasingly being used in orthopaedics to support natural healing.
According to Dr. Patel, bone marrow-based treatments involve extracting bone marrow aspirate from the patient and injecting it into the affected joint. This aspirate contains cells with regenerative potential that may help reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. However, these treatments work gradually over weeks or months rather than offering instant relief.
PRP therapy, which Fakhri also underwent, involves drawing a patient’s blood, concentrating the platelets, and reinjecting them into injured areas. Platelets release growth factors that promote healing and are commonly used for tendon injuries, ligament damage, and early joint degeneration.
Can These Treatments Replace Surgery?
While regenerative therapies may help some patients delay or avoid surgery — particularly those with early-stage cartilage damage or sports injuries — they are not suitable replacements in cases of advanced arthritis or severe structural damage. Outcomes depend on factors such as age, severity of injury, body weight, activity level, and commitment to physiotherapy.
Dr. Patel noted that patients often report gradual improvement over two to three months, with 70–80 per cent relief being considered encouraging in carefully selected cases.
Still Healing, But Hopeful
Though Fakhri admits she is still recovering, she remains optimistic. “Another month or two, and I could be jumping and running like I used to. I can’t wait,” she said.
Her candid update highlights both the promise and the limitations of regenerative medicine — a growing field that offers new options for patients seeking alternatives to surgery but still requires discipline, rehabilitation, and realistic expectations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public statements and expert opinion. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.
