Rakesh Roshan undergoes surgery after early stage throat cancer diagnosis, says Hrithik

Mumbai: Veteran filmmaker-actor Rakesh Roshan underwent surgery after being diagnosed with “early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat”, his son, actor Hrithik Roshan said on Tuesday.

Hrithik made the revelation on Instagram.

“Asked my dad for a picture this morning. Knew he wouldn’t miss gym on surgery day. He is probably the strongest man I know.

“Got diagnosed with early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat a few weeks ago, but he is in full spirits today as he proceeds to battle it. As a family we are fortunate and blessed to have a leader like him,” the actor wrote with a picture of his father standing side-by-side him in a gym.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished good health to the filmmaker, calling him a “fighter”.

“Dear Hrithik, praying for the good health of Shri Rakesh Roshan Ji. He is a fighter and I am sure he will face this challenge with utmost courage,” the prime minister said in a tweet.

Replying to PM Modi’s tweet, Hrithik said the surgery of his 69-year-old father went well.

“Thank you Sir for your concern and good wishes. I am very happy to inform that according to the doctors his surgery has gone off well,” Hrithik said.

The father-son duo has worked together in Hrithik’s launch vehicle “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai”, “Koi… Mil Gaya”, “Krrish” series and “Kaabil”.

Roshan’s daughter Sunanina was diagnosed with cervical cancer a few years ago but emerged a survivor.

Roshan started out as an actor with films such as “Kaamchor” and “Khoobsurat”, among others but later turned to filmmaking and sporadic guest appearances.

Some of his notable directorial works include “Khudgarz”, “Khoon Bhari Maang”, “KaraROSHAN-CANCERn Arjun” and “Koyla”.