Shiva Rajkumar almost quit Peddi after cancer diagnosis, thanks makers for waiting

Ram Charan and Shiva Rajkumar (Picture via Instagram)

Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar recently opened up about a difficult phase in his life when he nearly stepped away from Ram Charan's upcoming film Peddi after being diagnosed with cancer. Speaking during the film's promotional event, the actor recalled how his health battle made him reconsider his professional commitments and how the support of director Buchi Babu Sana helped him remain part of the project.

Shiva Rajkumar talks about Peddi team waiting for him

Shiva Rajkumar revealed that he was immediately drawn to the story when Buchi Babu Sana first narrated it to him. Impressed by the script, he even spoke to Ram Charan about the film on the same day. However, shortly after agreeing to join the project, the actor received a cancer diagnosis and had to travel to the United States for treatment. The unexpected health setback left him uncertain about continuing with the film.

The veteran actor admitted that he seriously considered withdrawing from Peddi because of his medical condition and the treatment process. Given the circumstances, he felt it would be difficult to commit to the demanding schedule of a large-scale production. However, the makers of the film stood firmly by his side during that challenging period.

According to Shiva Rajkumar, director Buchi Babu Sana insisted that they wanted him in the film and were willing to wait until he recovered and returned. The actor expressed his gratitude for the gesture, describing it as incredibly thoughtful and generous. He said he was deeply touched by the team's patience and support, adding that the experience made his journey with the film even more special.

Shiva Rajkumar talks about his cancer treatment

Reflecting on Peddi, Shiva Rajkumar shared that the film explores various stages of a man's life and the relationships he builds along the way. He praised the writing and storytelling, noting that the narrative presents human emotions and life experiences in a natural and relatable manner. The actor also hinted that the film carries a meaningful social message while remaining emotionally engaging.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi stars Ram Charan in the lead role alongside Janhvi Kapoor, Jagapathi Babu, Divyenndu, and Shiva Rajkumar in pivotal roles. The sports-action drama has generated significant buzz ahead of its theatrical release, with fans eagerly awaiting the collaboration between Ram Charan and the celebrated Kannada actor. As he looks back on his cancer battle and recovery, Shiva Rajkumar remains thankful that the filmmakers chose patience over replacement, allowing him to be part of a project he deeply believes in.