Veteran Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar has spoken candidly about his battle with cancer, the emotional toll of losing his younger brother Puneeth Rajkumar, and his enduring passion for cinema.
The actor shared his experience while promoting his upcoming film 45 during a press interaction in Chennai. Reflecting on his treatment and recovery, Shiva Rajkumar revealed that there were moments when he was unsure if he would return to normal life.
He recalled leaving for cancer treatment in the United States on December 18, 2024, describing the departure as deeply emotional. Despite reassurance from doctors, the uncertainty weighed heavily on him.
“I didn’t even know if I would come back. No matter how much the doctors assured me, I was afraid that something else might happen,” the actor said.
Cancer Surgery and Recovery
Shiva Rajkumar underwent surgery on December 24, 2024, accompanied by his wife and his daughter’s close friend. He said he remembers little of the surgery itself, as he lost consciousness soon after being administered medication.
“When I woke up after five or six hours, my wife was holding my hand. I told her I never thought I would get to hold your hand again. The doctors brought me back like gods,” he said, describing the moment as overwhelming.
The actor credited his recovery to the unwavering support of his family, fans, and well-wishers, saying their encouragement helped him stay hopeful even during his most difficult days.
Coping With Puneeth Rajkumar’s Death
Shiva Rajkumar also spoke about the emotional void left by the sudden death of Puneeth Rajkumar in 2021, an event that shook the Kannada film industry. Puneeth, one of the most beloved stars of Kannada cinema, shared a close bond with his elder brother, both personally and professionally.
The actor has frequently paid tribute to Puneeth in public appearances, acknowledging how profoundly the loss impacted him as a person and as an artist.
Upcoming Films and Career Ahead
Despite health setbacks, Shiva Rajkumar remains professionally active. His film 45, directed by Arjun Janya and co-starring Upendra and Raj B. Shetty, is scheduled for release on December 25 in Kannada, and January 1 in Tamil and Hindi.
He has also completed other projects and is currently working on multiple films, including the Telugu film Peddi, where he stars alongside Ram Charan.
Additionally, Shiva Rajkumar is expected to appear in Jailer 2, starring Rajinikanth, and will play the lead role in a Telugu biopic on Gummadi Narsaiah, which is currently in pre-production.
Industry observers and fans alike view his continued presence on screen as a testament to his resilience and lasting impact on Indian cinema.
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