Actress Hina Khan has raised concerns over Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality, sharing a worrying health update on Instagram that has resonated with many city residents.
The Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai star posted an Instagram story highlighting the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which stood at 209, placing it in the severe category.
Sharing a screenshot of the AQI reading, Khan expressed distress over how the pollution has begun to affect her daily life and health. “What is happening? Can’t ever breathe, yaaa. Makes me reduce my outdoor activities. Constant coughing. It’s so bad in the morning as well,” she wrote, capturing the frustration of many who wake up to hazy skies and heavy air in the city.
The actor revealed that the poor air quality has triggered persistent coughing and breathing discomfort, forcing her to limit outdoor movement despite being back at work. Mumbai also witnessed misty conditions in the morning, which experts say can trap pollutants closer to the ground, making breathing even more uncomfortable.
Khan’s concern carries added weight as it comes months after she completed treatment for stage 3 breast cancer. While she has resumed professional commitments and remains active, the environmental conditions have compelled her to slow down and prioritise her health. In her message, she urged followers to stay cautious and take care amid rising pollution levels.
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An Air Quality Index reading above 200 falls in the severe category, indicating air that can cause immediate health effects even in otherwise healthy individuals. Doctors say exposure at this level can trigger persistent coughing, breathlessness, chest tightness, throat irritation and fatigue.
People with compromised immunity, respiratory conditions, or those recovering from serious illnesses such as cancer are especially vulnerable, as polluted air can worsen inflammation in the lungs and reduce oxygen uptake. Health experts advise limiting outdoor activity, wearing protective masks when stepping out, keeping windows closed during peak pollution hours, and staying well hydrated to reduce irritation from airborne pollutants.
Mumbai’s air quality has fluctuated sharply in recent weeks, with several pockets reporting AQI readings in the poor-to-severe range. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such pollution can aggravate respiratory conditions, trigger chronic coughing, and pose greater risks to people recovering from illness.
On the professional front, Hina Khan was last seen in the reality show Pati Patni Aur Panga alongside her husband, Rocky Jaiswal. Even as she navigates her return to normalcy, her post serves as a reminder of how environmental factors continue to impact health, sometimes in ways that cannot be ignored.
