Actor, director Raju Kher has revisited one of the most difficult chapters of his life, recalling how his elder brother Anupam Kher stood by him after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2004. Anupam was shooting abroad when he received the news, but immediately left his work and returned to Mumbai. He also quietly took care of Raju’s medical expenses during his treatment. Looking back, Raju described his brother as a “father figure” who has always given him a sense of security.Raju recalled telling Anupam about his diagnosis and said his brother did not hesitate to return to Mumbai. He said in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, “In 2004, I got to know that I have cancer in my bladder. This is that time when I was going through a bad phase. He (Anupam Kher) was shooting abroad, and he left his work and came to Bombay. I told him everything, and he said, ‘Let’s go to Lilavati Hospital,’ and I said, ‘Lilavati is expensive.’ He almost slapped me, and said, ‘Who are you to speak about in this matter? Stay quiet, and do as I say.’”Raju revealed that Anupam also ensured that the financial burden of his treatment did not fall on him. “And, without my knowledge, he bore all the expenses, and there are many such things that he has done for me. He’s a father figure to me,” he said.Raju also opened up about the seriousness of his condition and the surgery he eventually underwent. He revealed that doctors had to remove his urinary bladder after finding a tumour. “I had tumour in my urinary bladder, and the doctors removed my urinary bladder. I was lucky to have a big intestine, which was converted into a urinary bladder, and attached to the kidneys and the urinary tract,” he said.Recalling the extent of the surgery, Raju explained that the tumour was detected at an early stage but was growing rapidly. “There are 5 levels of tumour, and we found out through the original bladder that the tumour was at the first level, it was growing fast. This operation lasted for 17 hours,” Raju recalled.The actor said having Anupam by his side has also changed the way he looks at life. He admitted that his brother’s presence gives him the confidence that his family will always have someone to rely on. “In today’s times, I am not scared about anything because somewhere I know that my brother is there, who can take care of everybody here. So, I’m not worried,” he said.At the same time, Raju stressed that he remains mindful of the support he receives from his brother. “At the same time, I am also very conscious about not taking him for granted.”Raju also gave an update on his sister-in-law, actor-politician Kirron Kher, who had earlier battled cancer. He said she is “alright” and currently only requires an injection as part of her treatment.
