Photographs: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Shaikh Ayaz in Mumbai
Erratic shooting schedules, constant travel, late-night parties and smokes-and-drinks lifestyle, the life of an actor is as glamorous as it is unhealthy.
Yet, what's common between most actors is their healthy eating habits (they have home-cooked dabbas delivered to them, no matter wherever they are) and regular, six pack-driven gym routine.
However, despite being fitness-savvy, most of Bollywood's top actors have had health-related issues in the past and there are times, indeed, when it's either an old injury, like in the case of Amitabh Bachchan's recent abdominal surgery or one, compounded by years of working frenetically, non-stop, as evidenced in those suffering from recurring back pain.
Here's a quick round-up of the health condition of your favourite stars:
Amitabh Bachchan
By now, this story is so famous that it barely needs a retelling. But here it is, in any case. An old wound from the sets of Coolie, comes back to haunt the superstar.
Recently, Bachchan underwent two abdominal surgeries at the Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai and though in "incredible pain", as he wrote on his blog, it's reassuring to have everyone's favourite superstar on the course to recovery.
Ranbir Kapoor
Image: Ranbir KapoorPhotographs: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images
In between shootings, commercials and performances at award ceremonies, the Rockstar actor underwent a minor operation for sebaceous cyst at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai.
Sebaceous cysts are small lumps and are caused by swollen hair follicles and skin-related disorders.
According to reports, Ranbir was discharged within a few hours of the surgery.
Katrina Kaif
Image: Katrina KaifPhotographs: Reuters/Manav Manglani
Diagnosed with endometriosis, a uterus-based disorder in 2009, the actress went under the knife at the same hospital where her 'good friend' Ranbir would be lodged three years later.
Hrithik Roshan
Image: Hrithik RoshanPhotographs: Pradeep Bandekar
Having hurt his back during Agneepath, Hrithik was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, and advised a fortnight's bed rest.
The actor has suffered a slip disc in the past.
Salman Khan
Image: Salman KhanPhotographs: Reuters/Manav Manglani
One never associates illness with this Khan, given his tough exterior.
But then, there's a touch of mortality even about our stars.
Last year, the actor flew to the US for the treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia, a facial nerve disorder, causing him to go missing during Bodyguard's release.
Akshay Kumar
Image: Akshay KumarPhotographs: Pradeep Bandekar
Known for performing his own stunts (dangerously risky ones, no less), Akshay's back problems, compounded by a slip disc setback in 1996, resurfaced a few years ago.
Earlier in 2011, he returned from a hydrotherapy treatment (a water-based therapy for pain relief) in Hamburg, Germany and threw himself into a year packed with action.
Rajinikanth
Image: RajinikanthPhotographs: Pradeep Bandekar
Leaving behind anxious fans and Raana's unit, the Tamil Superstar travelled to Singapore following respiratory infection amid intense media speculation over an alleged kidney transplant.
Rajini was admitted to Mount Elizabeth Hospital last year and returned to Chennai only after receiving full medical attention.
Sunny Deol
Image: Sunny DeolPhotographs: Pradeep Bandekar
The action star, a softie at heart, rushed to the US in 2010 amidst severe backache and got his treatment done.
As quietly, he returned home and to the movies. Here's hoping he extirpates more hand pumps with his dhaai kilo ka haath and beats more baddies to pulp.
Saif Ali Khan
Image: Saif Ali KhanPhotographs: Pradeep Bandekar
In December 2008, he was admitted to Lilavati Hospital, Bandra, following complaints of abdominal pain.
Earlier, the actor had been operated for appendicitis in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while he was shooting for a commercial.
Shah Rukh Khan
Image: Shah Rukh KhanPhotographs: Reuters/Amit Dave
No stranger to hospitals, SRK oozes never-give-up spirit and continues to brave his way to work through pain and suffering.
And he never complains.
In 2009, he underwent treatment for rotator cuff tear in his left shoulder (a common cause of pain in shoulder) and just to remind you, he has had a history of back, spine and knee problems for which he undergoes treatment every now and then.
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