Three days for dialysis, rest for fun

In 2003, while trying to save his lungs, actor Shammi Kapoor lost his kidneys to heavy antibiotics. Now surviving with the help of dialysis, Kapoor (79) misses his acting days but has not lost his passion for travelling, driving and fresh fish.

In 2003, while trying to save his lungs, actor Shammi Kapoor lost his kidneys to heavy antibiotics.

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Now surviving with the help of dialysis, Kapoor (79) misses his acting days but has not lost his passion for travelling, driving and fresh fish. “One has to accept problems in life. Because of my kidney problem I have to go to hospital for dialysis three times a week. But on the remaining four days there is a lot that I plan for myself and my grandchildren,” said Kapoor, who loves driving his Mercedes to Lonavla for a lunch. Driving, however, is his second passion. “Dance was my all-time favourite activity but now that my legs have become too weak to carry my weight, I follow my other passions like going on long drives, going out with my grandchildren,” said Kapoor, who also enjoys going to his favourite fish market in Vile Parle in the evenings to buy fresh fish.

Dr Bhupender Gandhi, who has been treating Kapoor for seven years, said Kapoor is the liveliest patient he has ever treated. “In spite so many problems like diabetes, old age, lung problem and obesity, he has a very positive attitude. He parties, travels abroad and lives life king-size,” said Gandhi.

Kapoor was first diagnosed with kidney problem during his treatment at Breach Candy Hospital for pneumonia in 2003. “When I travel abroad, I take my dialysis at any hospital there. I ensure that I follow both my treatment and my passions,” said Kapoor who recently travelled to New York and Singapore.