Shah Rukh Khan recovering from heatstroke amidst sweltering Indian election season
MUMBAI — The manager of Shah Rukh Khan, India’s “King of Bollywood,” has confirmed that the superstar is on the mend after being hospitalized with heatstroke, as parts of the country face scorching temperatures during a crucial general election.
The 58-year-old actor was admitted for treatment in Ahmedabad, located in the western state of Gujarat, where temperatures soared to a blistering 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) this week.
His manager, Pooja Dadlani, reassured fans by stating, “To all of Mr Khan’s fans and well-wishers – he is doing well. Thank you for your love, prayers, and concern.”
Khan was taken to K D Hospital after suffering from a heat stroke, as reported by the Press Trust of India. Video footage showed his wife, Gauri, arriving at the hospital to visit him.
Known as “King Khan,” Shah Rukh is a revered figure in India, with a prolific career spanning over 90 films and numerous accolades. He was honored with India’s fourth-highest civilian award in 2005 and named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2022.
The actor was in Ahmedabad to attend an Indian Premier League cricket match involving the Kolkata Knight Riders, a team he co-owns, when he fell ill.
His hospitalization coincides with a severe heatwave affecting various parts of the country, leading to illnesses and school closures due to extreme temperatures.
Authorities have issued warnings for a “severe heatwave” in states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, where temperatures have surpassed 45 degrees Celsius.
These scorching conditions come as India faces a national election, with Delhi set to vote on Sunday. The climate crisis is exacerbating heatwaves, posing challenges for the country’s adaptation capabilities.
India, one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, risks setbacks in development and poverty alleviation due to prolonged heatwaves and extreme weather events. — CNN
