Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan diagnosed with early stage cancer

Actor-filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, 69, has been diagnosed with early stage of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer, his actor son Hrithik Roshan said on Tuesday.

The senior Roshan will undergo surgery on Tuesday.

Hrithik shared an Instagram post in which he is seen standing alongside his father in a gym.

"Asked my dad for a picture this morning. Knew he wouldn't miss gym on surgery day. He is probably the strongest man I know.

"Got diagnosed with early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat a few weeks ago, but he is in full spirits today as he proceeds to battle it. As a family we are fortunate and blessed to have a leader like him," Hrithik captioned the picture in which the father-son duo have struck the same pose.

The note drew speedy recovery and good luck wishes from the film fraternity and fans.

Hrithik's former wife Sussanne Khan wrote: "He is stronger than any superhero. All will go smoothly."

Among other popular names who sent in wishes include Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Kapoor, Aalim Hakim, Darshan Kumar, Nandish Sandhu, Dabboo Ratnani and Vishal Dadlani.

The family has a cancer survivor in Sunaina Roshan, Hrithik's sister. She fought cervical cancer and survived it.

Apart from his acting career, Rakesh Roshan is known for directing films like "Kishen Kanhaiya", "Karan Arjun", "Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai", "Koi... Mil Gaya" and the superhero "Krrish" film series.

--IANS

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