Fans are still reeling from the news of Irrfan Khan having been diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumour. His path to fame has been anything but easy and we pray for his speedy recovery.
While talking of recovery, we have had instances of some of our other celebs having to face life-threatening diseases. These stories of them emerging victorious from those challenges are awe-inspiring:
1. Amitabh Bachchan: Myasthenia Gravis and Splenic Rupture
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During an action scene for Coolie in July 1982, the veteran actor had a lot of blood loss. It turned out to be a critical situation as it was reported that his spleen had been ruptured. Despite being initially pronounced as clinically dead, he made a complete recovery within a few months. However, in 1984 he was diagnosed again with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, the muscles used for movement. The undisputed ‘Don’ of Bollywood has proven his unconditional fighting spirit by overcoming this too.
2. Hrithik Roshan: Brain Clot
This Indian heartthrob had to undergo surgery for the removal of a brain clot in 2013. The clot is said to have been formed due to a head injury which occurred during the filming of his movie ‘Bang Bang‘. However, a month later Hrithik said, “I am absolutely fantastic. Even with the hole in my brain, my spirit is intact.” This is more than enough proof of him being a superhero in real life too.
3. Manisha Koirala: Ovarian Cancer
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One of the most popular actresses of the nineties, the star gave an equally stellar performance while battling ovarian cancer in 2012. She battled her disease like a fighter and taught us all to never back down to life’s struggles. She is now free of cancer and has since made a comeback to the silver screen.
4. Yuvraj Singh: Lung Cancer
While playing the World Cup in 2011, Yuvraj had bouts of blood vomiting, nausea and breathing issues. All of India was in shock when the Indian cricketer was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer. After three months of rigorous chemotherapy, the all-rounder was sent home. He documented his journey with the book: ‘The Test of My Life: From Cricket to Cancer and Back’.
5. Lisa Ray: Multiple Myeloma
The Canadian-born Lisa Ray was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It is a type of cancer where plasma cells in the bone marrow are affected. This rare disease is incurable but that doesn’t stop her from living her life. She has since become an activist for the cause.
6. Anurag Basu: Blood Cancer
In 2004, the famed director suffered from acute promyelocytic leukaemia and was said to have less than 50% chances of survival. But this didn’t break the ‘Barfi’ director. He went for treatment and came out a winner after fighting the disease.
7. Shahrukh Khan: 8 Surgeries
The Badshah of Bollywood wasn’t just given that name for his acting prowess. The actor has had his fair share of trials and tribulations both in the professional front as well as with regards to health. He has undergone a total of 8 surgeries in 25 years inclusive of his ribs, ankle, knee, neck, eye, and shoulder. He overcame all of it in true Bollywood style. Always with a smile and never back down attitude.
8. Saif Ali Khan: Heart Attack
The Nawab of Bollywood was rushed to the hospital in 2007 after suffering a mild heart attack. Heart disease is reportedly hereditary in his family. However, the Pataudi prince escaped unscathed.
9. Honey Singh: Bipolar disorder
The Bollywood rapper, Honey Singh was reportedly suffering from a mental condition called Bipolar disorder for quite some time. Fans were confused when he suddenly left the spotlight after giving consecutive hits like Angrezi beat, Manali trance, Love Dose and High Heels. Later on, it was revealed as a medical requirement told by the doctor who advised him to stay away from everything.
10. Rajnikanth: Allergic Bronchitis and Viral Fever
The Thalaiva of Indian movie industry gave his devoted fanbase quite a scare in 2011. At the age of 61, he was admitted to the hospital after suffering from extreme exhaustion. He was diagnosed with allergic bronchitis and viral fever. The superstar handled it all with true style and was out of the hospital in no time.
11. Mumtaz: Breast Cancer
The yesteryear actress who won hearts with her classic beauty and power packed performances was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. 6 chemotherapies, 35 radiations later she was quoted “I don’t give up easily. Even death will have to fight me.” She recovered gracefully with her evergreen charm.
Here’s hoping Irrfan Khan pulls a similar act and emerges at the peak of his health soon.