PremiumBhairathi Ranagal star Shivarajkumar’s health update; surgery scheduled
Shivarajkumar’s wife Geetha took the stage at Dance Karnataka Dance, the reality show that the Century Star serves as judge on, to talk about the next step in his recovery
Shivarajkumar is heading to the US shortly
Last Updated: 07.06 PM, Dec 11, 2024
When Shivarajkumar appeared at the press briefing to announce the completion of his film 45, which marks the directorial debut of composer Arjun Janya, the Century Star was unwell and appeared to be in visible discomfort. Within days, rumours that the actor was dealing with more than just a bout of fever began doing the rounds, which he addressed when he began promotions for the release of Bhairathi Ranagal.
Yes, he had a diagnosis and he was undergoing treatment, he said, without revealing what was ailing him. He admitted that he too was initially a tad scared, but with the support of family, friends and well-wishers, he overcame that and began treatment as suggested. During one interview, he said that he’d had a couple of courses of chemotherapy. He also added that he would need to get surgery and that his family was contemplating whether to fly him to the US for the same or get the procedure done in India.
Shivarajkumar's US schedule
US it is, with the actor’s wife, Geetha Shivarajkumar confirming that the family will depart for Miami, Florida on December 18, with the surgery scheduled for December 24. Shivarajkumar is expected to head into rehabilitation, thereafter, for at least a month, depending on the outcome of the surgery and further treatment requirements.
The actor had suspended work after the completion of 45, with Dance Karnataka Dance, the only other commitment that he continued even while undergoing treatment. The untitled #Shivanna131 and Hemanth M Rao’s film will likely be the projects Shivarajkumar begins once he is back in late January or early February.
Shivarajkumar’s last release, Bhairathi Ranagal, which was a home production, is still in theatres, although an OTT outing is said to be likely closer to Christmas. He has a pivotal role in their next venture, A for Anand, a children’s film directed by MG Srinivas, as well as a cameo in his daughter Niveditha’s debut production, Firefly. Directed by Vamshi, Firefly was meant to release for Deepavali, but was postponed indefinitely. It is now likely to be in theatres in February, once Shivarajkumar is back.