Famous filmmaker Anurag Basu, known for hit movies like Barfi!, Life in a… Metro, Ludo, and Metro… In Dino, recently shared the emotional and painful story of his battle with blood cancer. In 2004, during the peak of his career, Anurag was diagnosed with a rare and dangerous form of cancer called acute promyelocytic leukemia. Doctors told him he had only two weeks to live, and this news came when his wife was seven months pregnant.
The Life-Changing Diagnosis
In 2004, Anurag Basu was working on films like Murder and Saaya. During this time, he started having painful mouth ulcers. At first, he ignored it, thinking it was minor. But soon, his health began to decline. After medical tests, he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a serious form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood.
Doctors warned that his organs were failing, and he had very little time left. Anurag’s only wish at that time was to see his unborn child at least once.
Treatment And Small Victories
Anurag Basu was admitted to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, where his chemotherapy treatment started. His condition was serious, but he decided not to give up. He started setting small goals—first to sit on a chair, then to walk a few steps. These small wins gave him confidence and kept his spirit alive.
Many people from the film industry came forward to help. Actor Sunil Dutt helped him find a hospital bed, and actor Emraan Hashmi, who was working with him at the time, stood by his side.
Support From Family And Inner Strength
Anurag’s wife, Tani Basu, was a strong pillar of support. She got to know about her husband’s illness through news channels, as Anurag had kept it a secret in the beginning. Her strength and support helped him fight through his darkest days.
Anurag later said that his strongest motivation was his unborn child. The thought of holding his baby gave him the courage to go through painful treatment and emotional struggles.
Cancer Taught Him Life Lessons
Anurag Basu often says that his battle with cancer changed his outlook on life. He became more focused, thankful, and aware of what really matters. In an interview, he shared that he realised the importance of listening to the body and not ignoring health warnings.
“It was not the end. I knew I had to fight. Cancer gave me a new perspective,” he said.
Return To Films And Success
After a long and difficult three-year battle, Anurag Basu became cancer-free. He slowly returned to his passion—filmmaking—but took extra precautions, like wearing masks on sets and maintaining hygiene.
Post-recovery, he gave Bollywood some of its most loved movies—Barfi!, Jagga Jasoos, Ludo, and Metro… In Dino. He also shared that he has written a script about his cancer journey, but hasn’t decided yet whether to turn it into a film.
Conclusion
Anurag Basu’s journey from the hospital bed to the director’s chair is a story of hope, strength, and resilience. His life reminds us that even in the face of death, courage and love can keep us going. His success post-cancer is proof that no struggle is too big if the will to live is strong.
We salute Anurag Basu for sharing his story and inspiring millions who are fighting their own battles.
FAQs
What type of cancer did Anurag Basu have?
He was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare and serious type of blood cancer.
When was Anurag Basu diagnosed with cancer?
He was diagnosed in 2004, while he was working on films like Murder and Saaya.
How long did doctors give him to live?
Doctors told him he had only two weeks to live due to his worsening condition.
Who supported Anurag Basu during his treatment?
His wife, Tani Basu, was his biggest support. Film industry friends like Sunil Dutt and Emraan Hashmi also helped.
Did Anurag Basu return to films after recovery?
Yes, after recovering, he made successful films like Barfi!, Life in a… Metro, and Ludo.