Article

Rakesh Roshan’s Brave Battle: Fighting Cancer with Determination and Hope

By anusha

May 13, 2023

The journey of a cancer survivor can be challenging and emotional, but many find hope, strength, and inspiration from their experiences. They go on to live fulfilling lives after cancer. One such survivor who fought the life-threatening disease is Rakesh Roshan, a legendary filmmaker and father of Hrithik Roshan.

Rakesh Roshan shared about his cancer journey on the spot boy news channel. Initially, it started with a blister on his skin. He was just experiencing minor itching on his skin. No pain, no swelling. Rakesh Roshan tried several medications to get rid away but the blister did not fade away. One day Rakesh along with his friend decided to visit Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai. He visited an ENT specialist. After examining Rakesh’s condition, the doctor advised him to undergo a biopsy and asked Rakesh to wait for the results.

Rakesh Roshan told that he had a gut feeling that it will turn out to be cancer. Unfortunately, Rakesh Roshan’s gut feeling became a reality. On December 15th, 2018, Rakesh Roshan turned positive for cancer, and he got diagnosed with early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat and had to undergo surgery. He was suffering from the most common type of throat cancer, which means cancer attacks the flat cell lining of the throat.

The news came as a shocker to the whole Roshan family. Everybody in the family got panicked as it turned out to be cancer. But Rakesh tried to stay calm and positive. He believed that going into depression will make it worse. Instead that day he still hit the gym and did the workout.

 

After final consulting with doctors, Rakesh decided to start his treatment. But before the surgery, Rakesh initially got scared as doctors told him that his tongue has to go through a slight cut. He will not be able to enjoy any taste buds. This made Rakesh very anxious. But he obeyed whatever doctors said to him. He was being treated under top oncologists Dr Jatin Shah and Dr Vijay V Haribhakti. The surgery took place in In Mumbai’s Hurkisondas Hospital, officially known as Reliance Foundation Hospital. Hrithik Roshan drove his father to the hospital. At 3 p.m., Rakesh Roshan was in, and the operation took roughly five hours. He underwent successful surgery and got discharged from the hospital.

3 weeks after his surgery, his chemotherapy sessions began at Kokilaben Hospital. It used to last for roughly 4-5 hours. He was given Cisplatin. He received 100 mg of cisplatin instead of the usual 40. His radiation dosage was raised from 60 to 67. Rakesh expressed he has lost 10 kg during the entire treatment. Cancer treatment makes people weak. He was not only going through his treatment but also his entire family was under stress, including his wife, who was unwell. Hrithik underwent brain surgery and his daughter also went through cancer.

Rakesh Roshan was going through a difficult phase in his life. Sometimes he used to cry on Hrithik’s shoulder to ease the pain. But his whole family stood like a rock with each other. Rakesh remained positive throughout this tough time. He thanked all the doctors and his family members who helped him fight this battle.

Fortunately today he is declared cancer free. He has fought a huge battle and emerged as a winner. It’s his determination, willpower and hope that makes him live to the fullest.