WHEN SOUTH SUPERSTARS OVERCAME CRITICAL HEALTH CRISES

Recently, Malayalam superstar Mammootty revealed that he experienced a significant health scare in 2025. It temporarily caused him to lose his sense of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia), forcing him to take a brief break from acting. The actor is now recovering and gradually returning to work. His case isn’t an isolated one. Several South Indian superstars have demonstrated remarkable resilience by overcoming life-threatening illnesses through specialised treatment, determination and a positive mindset.

While the exact nature of the health crisis faced by Mammootty was not initially disclosed, the ailment reportedly forced him to take a break from acting in 2025. The actor later shared that both his olfactory and gustatory abilities had been affected during that difficult period, leaving him unable to smell or taste anything. Fortunately, he has since been on the path to recovery.

In 2022, Samantha Ruth Prabhu revealed that she had been diagnosed with Dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune condition that causes muscle weakness and severe fatigue. Facing intense physical challenges, the actress adopted a disciplined lifestyle that includes anti-inflammatory diets, meditation and specialised physical training. She has continued to pursue her career while managing the condition with resilience and mental strength.

In 2021, actress Hamsa Nandini was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, specifically Grade III invasive carcinoma. She underwent multiple surgeries and more than 16 cycles of chemotherapy. Inspired by her mother’s own battle with the same disease, Hamsa Nandini has since become a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and regular self-examination.

Actor Rana Daggubati experienced a serious health crisis after the success of Baahubali: The Beginning. He suffered from kidney failure, severe calcification around the heart and high blood pressure. In an interview, the actor revealed that doctors had warned him about the high risk of stroke or haemorrhage. He underwent a kidney transplant in the United States, followed by nearly a year of recovery before returning to work with a renewed outlook on life.

In 2011, superstar Rajinikanth was admitted to hospitals in Chennai several times due to exhaustion, allergic bronchitis and viral fever. The health scare later required specialised treatment in Singapore, where he was treated for kidney-related complications and fluid retention. The actor responded well to the treatment and eventually made a full recovery.

Actress Mamta Mohandas is a survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma. In January 2023, she revealed that she had also been diagnosed with Vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that causes loss of skin pigment. The actress has been openly managing the condition while advocating self-acceptance and awareness.

2026-03-10T10:40:50Z