Shiva Rajkumar says he nearly quit Peddi during cancer treatment
At the Chennai promotions for Peddi, Shiva Rajkumar revealed that he almost quit the film after being diagnosed with cancer and travelling to the US for treatment. He said the team chose to wait for his return instead of recasting the role, making the project a deeply personal journey for him.
Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar has revealed that he almost stepped away from director Buchi Babu Sana's Peddi after being diagnosed with cancer and travelling to the US for treatment. Speaking at the film's promotions in Chennai ahead of its June 4 release, he said the team chose to wait for his return instead of replacing him in the Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer.
Shiva said he had agreed to do the film before his 2024 diagnosis. He recalled that Buchi Babu Sana had narrated the script to him and that he had also spoken to Ram Charan the same day, before his diagnosis changed the course of events.
Shiva Rajkumar on Peddi team's support during his cancer diagnosis
At the Chennai event, Shiva said, "They just wanted to do the film with me, and when Buchi Babu narrated it to me, I liked the subject. I spoke to Ram Charan also that day. And afterwards, unfortunately, I was diagnosed with cancer, and I was supposed to go to the US."
The actor added that he had considered leaving the project, but the makers refused to let him go. “But they waited for me. I thought, shall we cancel? But Buchi Babu said, no, we want you. It’s so sweet of them, and they waited for me for a long time. I’m very thankful to you, sir, so beautiful it is. Wonderful journey,” the 64-year-old said.
At the event, Ram Charan also praised Shiva, sharing that he had watched the movie several times just because of his cameo. He expressed how the actor’s screen presence felt like a blaze, particularly noting the memorable sequence in the car.
"When you go in the car, and that slow-mo shot with the cigarette, it’s an iconic performance," he said, adding that the actor's eyes speak a massive volume of expression.
Shiva Rajkumar's cancer recovery
In December 2024, Shiva underwent surgery at a hospital in Miami, US, to remove his cancerous bladder. Doctors created an artificial bladder using a part of his intestine. In January 2025, he revealed that he had been fearful even before the diagnosis, but the support of his fans, family and medical team helped him through the period.
Shiva spoke in greater detail about his health scare in February 2025 on the Masth Magaa podcast. He also revealed that he had continued shooting for his Kannada film 45 while undergoing treatment.
"I was a little worried because I knew chemotherapy causes hair loss. I was cleared by the doctor but was asked not to exert myself too much. I used to finish chemo and go for the shoot; it made me very tired. I don’t want to reveal what it is (I did), but when you see the climax of 45, you’ll be shocked at how I did it. My character demanded gentleness of me instead of anger," the actor said.
Peddi is set for a theatrical release on June 4.
Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar has revealed that he almost stepped away from director Buchi Babu Sana's Peddi after being diagnosed with cancer and travelling to the US for treatment. Speaking at the film's promotions in Chennai ahead of its June 4 release, he said the team chose to wait for his return instead of replacing him in the Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer.
Shiva said he had agreed to do the film before his 2024 diagnosis. He recalled that Buchi Babu Sana had narrated the script to him and that he had also spoken to Ram Charan the same day, before his diagnosis changed the course of events.
Shiva Rajkumar on Peddi team's support during his cancer diagnosis
At the Chennai event, Shiva said, "They just wanted to do the film with me, and when Buchi Babu narrated it to me, I liked the subject. I spoke to Ram Charan also that day. And afterwards, unfortunately, I was diagnosed with cancer, and I was supposed to go to the US."
The actor added that he had considered leaving the project, but the makers refused to let him go. “But they waited for me. I thought, shall we cancel? But Buchi Babu said, no, we want you. It’s so sweet of them, and they waited for me for a long time. I’m very thankful to you, sir, so beautiful it is. Wonderful journey,” the 64-year-old said.
At the event, Ram Charan also praised Shiva, sharing that he had watched the movie several times just because of his cameo. He expressed how the actor’s screen presence felt like a blaze, particularly noting the memorable sequence in the car.
"When you go in the car, and that slow-mo shot with the cigarette, it’s an iconic performance," he said, adding that the actor's eyes speak a massive volume of expression.
Shiva Rajkumar's cancer recovery
In December 2024, Shiva underwent surgery at a hospital in Miami, US, to remove his cancerous bladder. Doctors created an artificial bladder using a part of his intestine. In January 2025, he revealed that he had been fearful even before the diagnosis, but the support of his fans, family and medical team helped him through the period.
Shiva spoke in greater detail about his health scare in February 2025 on the Masth Magaa podcast. He also revealed that he had continued shooting for his Kannada film 45 while undergoing treatment.
"I was a little worried because I knew chemotherapy causes hair loss. I was cleared by the doctor but was asked not to exert myself too much. I used to finish chemo and go for the shoot; it made me very tired. I don’t want to reveal what it is (I did), but when you see the climax of 45, you’ll be shocked at how I did it. My character demanded gentleness of me instead of anger," the actor said.
Peddi is set for a theatrical release on June 4.
