India, Sept. 27 -- Vaibhavi Merchant, who received her second National Award for Best Choreography on Tuesday, has spoken about battling health challenges like peripheral vision loss and thyroid issues for the first time. The 49-year-old, who was honoured for Dhindhora Baje Re (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, 2023), opens up about her body transformation. "I was diagnosed with thyroid in 2017; it is a hereditary issue. Despite working hard and trying several diets, my body showed no results until my endocrinologist put me on a slow, sustainable plan. I also started playing badminton," she shares. But soon after, Vaibhavi was diagnosed with an autoimmune trigger. "I had peripheral vision loss in my right eye," she reveals, adding, "It could be due to the Covid vaccine or the shoot schedule of Tiger 3 (2023). We shot throughout Europe - including Italy, which was badly affected by Covid - and I spent long hours in a mask, which affected a nerve." Vaibhavi was put on steroids at the time. She recalls, "It made me gain another 10kg. To date, people ask me why I wear glasses indoors, but I have to do what I can to protect my eyes. My right eye is still affected, but hasn't hindered my work." Despite the stress on her body, she has learnt to adapt to the situation: "I never gave up, though I still have 5kg to lose and muscle mass to gain. It's important to be guided by a doctor, and to love your body the way it is." Her slim physique at the ceremony, captured by actors Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, also surfaced on social media. "I got so many messages about how people loved SRK and Rani rooting for me. They made my day special by capturing beautiful photos and videos. Rani is my soul sister, Shah Rukh just knows how to make you feel special," she ends....