When Rishi Kapoor left for the US to seek treatment for “an undisclosed disease”, there were whispers that he was getting treated for cancer. Later, the nature of the disease was revealed, but by then, he was giving cancer a fitting fight. In a conversation with Times of India, Rishi Kapoor opened up about his cancer struggles and life lessons he learnt along the way. The veteran actor and Ranbir Kapoor’s dad spoke about the and the “toughest phase” of his life. He also spoke about his gradual journey to recovery and his gratitude for life. He's currently in remission. Rishi Kapoor Reveals He'll Resume his Work on a Project After he Returns to India in September.

For the most part, he had to live away from family and friends when the treatment was going on. Which was one of the challenges he had to endure early on. He spoke how the cancer treatment stripped him off his appetite. He lost a whopping 26kg and had no urge to eat in the first four months.

Chemotherapy often causes cancer patients to lose their appetites due to some of its side effects. Violent nausea and vomiting can put people off food completely.

“Now, I have gained seven-eight kilos. I don’t want to look too lean, but I haven’t gone back to my original self either,” he tells the daily. Since he’s now in remission, Rishi Kapoor seems to be making up for the missed times. He had recently shared a picture, where he was seen relishing an aate ka phulka (wheat flour flatbread) at Anupam Kher’s house.

Rishi Kapoor's Tweet:

He gives credits to his family, wife Neethu, son Ranbir and daughter Riddhima, for giving him the moral support he needed during the toughest phase of his life. He philosophises: "Getting well is a slow procedure. But it makes you grateful for the gift of life." Currently at New York, Rishi Kapoor told TOI that he’s “waiting to come back and raring to get going.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2019 01:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).