Sham Kaushal, the father of actor Vicky Kaushal and a stunt director, once faced a battle with cancer. Reflecting on his experience, he revealed that doctors had given him a grim prognosis, stating that he would not survive. Despite the odds stacked against him, Sham not only emerged stronger but also claimed that he went on to live some of the best days of his life. He mentioned that his sons, Vicky and actor Sunny Kaushal, were teenagers when he went through this health crisis.
In 2003, Sham was diagnosed with stomach cancer, which he discovered upon returning from a shoot for Farhan Akhtar’s film Lakshya in Ladakh. He recounted that it began with numerous complications in his stomach, leading to his admission to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai. After undergoing a small surgery and biopsy, doctors delivered the devastating news that he would not survive.
Speaking to Rajshri Unplugged, he shared, “Upon my return, I experienced several stomach complications. In October, I had to be admitted to Nanavati Hospital, where the doctors informed me that I wouldn’t survive.” During that time, Vicky was approximately 15 years old, while Sunny was 14. Sham further added, “I accepted the fact that I wouldn’t survive, so I prayed to God, expressing my contentment. I was 48 years old, and despite starting with nothing, I had accomplished a lot. If you take me away, please don’t let me be weak. I cannot live as a weak person.”
Sham underwent surgeries at the hospital and was eventually discharged, ultimately recovering from his condition. He remarked, “After being told that I wouldn’t survive, I experienced the best days of my life. I won numerous awards after 2003, and my best films were made during that period. Additionally, my children achieved success during that time.”
It is not the first instance of Sham Kaushal sharing his cancer journey. He had previously opened up about it in an interview with Times of India, where he mentioned contemplating ending his life.
Sham Kaushal commenced his career as a stunt performer in the late 1970s. He predominantly worked under Veeru Devgan, a renowned action director of that era. As an action director himself, Sham has been associated with notable films such as Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), PK (2014), Padmaavat (2018), Sanju (2018), Tiger Lives (2017), and Simmba (2018).
