Actor Shekhar Suman and his son Adhyayan Suman will soon be seen on the screen after a long time in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ Shekhar, who is busy promoting the series, recently spoke at length with 'Ent Live' about the web series, his career his son Adhyayan, and more. He also spoke about his elder son Ayush, who passed away at the age of 11 due to a heart illness.
Shekhar spoke in length about Ayush’s illness, his diagnosis and how his wife Alka became a strong pillar of support for the actor after his son’s untimely demise.
Shekhar Suman on his son’s illness and diagnosis
Reflecting on the moment they learned about their son's illness, Shekhar shared in Hindi, "My father, a highly respected doctor, noticed a slight swelling in his stomach and suspected his liver might be enlarged. Initially, we brushed it off as a minor ailment, oblivious to its gravity. Little did we know it would later prove fatal."
He further said, "As medical professionals struggled to diagnose his condition, my father suggested a 2D echo of the heart. When the reports arrived, the doctor referred me to a cardiologist. Upon returning home with the report, my father asked me to read it to him over the phone. It revealed a diagnosis of 'Left Ventricular EMF Endomyocardial Fibrosis.' There was silence at the other end. He then said, "Are Ram Ram." acknowledging the severity of the disease. I had a premonition of an upcoming tragedy.”
Recalling the visit to the cardiologist with his wife Alka, Shekhar said, "The memory remains vivid in my mind, his words echoing, 'Sorry Shekhar, but there is no time left.' Overwhelmed, I inquired, 'Doctor, how long?' His response, 'Maximum 8 months,' left me reeling. I feared succumbing to a heart attack. Upon exiting, no words were necessary; Alka's tears mirrored my anguish. In that instant, we experienced profound grief. We wept for days. Alka then urged me to maintain composure for Ayush's sake, saying that his intuition could detect our distress."
Battling with the son’s disease
Reflecting on their journey through their son Ayush's illness post-diagnosis, Shekhar recounted, “We left no stone unturned in our quest for a cure. From temples to mosques, gurudwaras to saints, we explored every avenue – alternative medicine, homeopathy, magnet therapy – anything that was recommended. We even sought medical expertise abroad, traveling to America and consulting a specialist doctor in London. EMF is a disease so rare that it affects only one in billions. As far as I know, there might be only three or four cases of it in India. Unfortunately, there is no known cure; the only treatment option is a heart transplant.”
Expressing their sense of helplessness, Shekhar continued, “You can imagine the depth of our despair. My father, who had saved countless lives through his medical practice, couldn't save his grandson. We spared no expense in seeking the best medical care available worldwide. We sought solace in spirituality, visiting numerous places of worship, embracing Buddhism, and praying day and night. But there are miracles in life, things that are destined to happen, happen. Despite this, by some divine intervention, Ayush defied the odds and lived not just for eight months, but for four years. However, the looming reality of his eventual fate weighed heavily on us. I would spend sleepless nights gazing at his face, knowing that one day we would have to bid him farewell. Our sense of helplessness was overwhelming, our hearts shattered into pieces. We felt as though we were dying alongside him.”
“There was a time when we took him to Shirdi Sai Baba and sat him at his feet, and I felt that Baba's blessing would be upon him, there would be a miracle. We were hesitant to consider a heart transplant due to its high risks. There was a 50 percent chance that the patient could die on the operating table. We didn't want to take that risk, so that was not an option.”
“As Ayush's condition worsened, and the inevitability of his fate became apparent, Alka, my wife, found strength in prayer. She prayed for relief from Ayush's suffering, unable to bear seeing him in pain any longer. His deteriorating health, marked by abdominal swelling, water retention, liver failure, and cognitive decline, was heartbreaking to witness. Our once vibrant child was now a shadow of his former self. As Ayush's condition deteriorated further, my wife prayed to God to take him away, unable to see his pain and suffering any longer," he said.
The day when his son passed away
Recalling the day Ayush passed away, Shekhar said, "The day arrived when we had to admit him to the hospital. After receiving the doctor's verdict, I cradled him in my arms. He was lifeless, he had left us. I kept lying with him, with his body, all night, all day, and cried a lot. Alka also cried a lot, but she eventually regained her composure. What greater anguish, sorrow, and agony is there for parents than to bid farewell to their child, to offer them to the flames, and to encircle the funeral pyre? We hoped time would ease the pain as it heals wounds, but instead, the pain intensified.”
Talking about the premiere night of their upcoming series 'Heeramandi', Shekhar shared that they could witness Ayush in their younger son Adhyayan and his happiness.
“In Adhyayan, we were able to witness Ayush and his happiness, almost as if he blessed his younger brother. Departing souls never truly vanish; they linger around us. He must still be there, listening to what we are saying.”