Table of Contents
Bollywood Director Anurag Basu’s Inspiring Cancer Survival Story
By Raveena M Prakash
Anurag Basu is a famous Indian Bollywood director who is known for his most imaginative and sensitive way of storytelling. His journey from cancer diagnosis to recovery is just like a film script that portrays the life struggle of a hero from the brink of death to triumphant comebacks. Anurag’s cancer journey is also dramatically inspirational! His cancer treatment journey is also a story of resilience, hope, and the human spirit fighting against all odds, not giving up, even if it's a rare type of cancer!
In this article, we'll discuss more about his battle against cancer and recovery and why this is a powerful inspirational story that needs to be told and celebrated!
Who is Anurag Basu?
Anurag Basu is a famous Bollywood filmmaker and storyteller who is the brain behind several blockbuster movies in Hindi, including Murder, Gangster: A Love Story, Life in a… Metro, and Barfi! And Ludo.
Basu is well known for portraying the sensitive, emotionally deep characters with his unique storytelling style that was loved by audiences across the globe. But behind the fame and camera and the critical acclaim lies a story of a cancer journey, which is one of the toughest battles he has ever fought; this one journey would have easily changed his life forever.
Life changing cancer diagnosis
In 2004, while Anurag was working on films like Murder and Saaya, Anurag Basu was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, also known as Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL).
The diagnosis came dramatically into his life while his wife was only seven months pregnant with their daughter, and this is a moment that everyone would consider the happiest in their life. His doctors give him only two weeks to live according to his condition. For Anurag’s condition, it’s a life-or-death moment, but for his family, especially his wife, it’s the future she yearned and wanted to see with her husband and unborn child.
Cancer treatments
He has started to experience minor symptoms like painful blisters in the mouth, even though doctors advised to get immediate tests, he chose to continue work, postponed his medical evaluation and tests because he was busy shooting his films.
Because it was cancer, things started to deteriorate fast, he then started to face severe health complications, started to bleed internally, swelling of the face, and also experienced breathing difficulties. According to the medical resources, his platelets counts started to go low, along with blood and organ failure has contributed to things getting worse.
He said in interviews that people around him started to donate blood and platelets, and tried everything to save his life. He was first admitted to a hospital, but the treatment didn’t show any results, he was shifted to famous Tata Memorial Hospital, his condition was critical. He has also put on ventilator support.
In one of his interviews he admitted that he didn’t know how serious his condition was initially and when he saw the fear in the eyes of people visiting him: especially family, friends and colleagues, he finally understood that this was life or death.
Fight against cancer
The oncologist had predicted only two weeks to live while his wife was seven months pregnant, but he did not give up. He underwent intensive chemotherapy, multiple blood transfusions, and even ventilator support. The cancer treatment was long and overwhelming. But one thought has made him push through, which is that he wanted to live enough to meet her daughter.
During this phase, he even returned back to work, not because he felt well but because he needed funds to support his treatment. He shot scenes wearing a mask and underwent a chemo session. He has resumed working for the film ‘Gangster’ while his body is fighting against cancer and survival.
He has openly thanked his fellow colleagues from the television and film industry, along with the blood donors who had helped him during his critical days. He also mentioned the help of Sunil Dutt, who has also helped him get treatment in Tata Hospital, played a crucial role in saving his life.
The comeback: From survivor to storyteller
Anurag has started to slowly recover from cancer, the recovery phase was long and painful, but his will to live as a father, a loving husband and successful filmmaker pushed him through these tough times.
After becoming cancer-free, he took some time and went on to deliver some of the most remarkable works of his career. His creative works resonated highly with audiences across India and abroad. Many critics appreciated his sensitivity and cinematic vision. His unique ability to tell stories that reflected the fragility and resilience of human life.
In many interviews, he has opened up about his cancer battle and changed his outlook on life and art. How this treatment phase has taught him humility, gratitude and value of second chances in life.
Consult Today
Anurag Basu's survival story from cancer is more than just a celebrity inspiring story. His survival story is just like the universal narrative of any love-drama film script, which involves love, fear, hope, loss, survival, and rebirth. His story also tells us that cancer doesn’t discriminate, but a human’s will and compassion can make a world of difference. For many people, his treatment and recovery journey offers more than just inspiration, but it also offers hope and the strength of human willpower.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Here are following test to diagnose these condition, including:
- Complete blood count
- Peripheral blood smear
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Flow cytometry
- Polymerase chain reaction
- Cytogenetics
Ans: Here are some of the symptoms of these health conditions, including:
- Fatigue from anemia
- Low red blood cells
- Frequent infections because of low levels of white blood cells
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bleeding gums, bleeding nose and heavy menstrual bleeding
Ans: APL is considered a rare type of cancer. Most people are in their 30s when they are diagnosed with these conditions.
Book an Appointment
Related Blogs
Kirron Kher’s Cancer Journey: Fighting Multiple Myeloma with Grace
Discover more about Kirron Kher’s cancer journey and chemotherapy treatments, the importance of positivity, and how she has become an inspiration to many patients!
Hina Khan’s Breast Cancer Journey: Courage, Awareness, and Recovery
Explore more about Hina Khan’s breast cancer journey and how she reacted to the diagnosis, her immediate response to the diagnosis, and her treatment experiences!
How Yuvraj Singh Overcame Cancer and Returned to Cricket
Explore more about Yuvraj Singh overcame Mediastina seminoma and how he returned to International cricket and his journey of resilience, courage and will power!
How Sonali Bendre Battled Cancer: An Inspiring Recovery Story
Explore more about Sonali Bendre’s cancer diagnosis and how she recovered from an high-grade metastatic cancer and what we can learn from sonali bendre’s diagnosis!