Filmmaker Rakesh Roshan diagnosed with early stage cancer

Veteran filmmaker-actor Rakesh Roshan has been diagnosed with "early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat", his son, actor Hrithik Roshan said on Tuesday.

Hrithik made the revelation on Instagram, adding his father is set to undergo surgery.

"Asked my dad for a picture this morning. Knew he wouldnt 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," the actor wrote.

Hrithik also shared a picture with his 69-year-old father standing side-by-side in a gym.

The father-son duo has worked together in Hrithik's launch vehicle "Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai", "Koi... Mil Gaya", "Krrish" series and "Kaabil".

Roshan's daughter Sunanina was diagnosed with cervical cancer a few years ago but emerged a survivor.

Roshan started out as an actor with films such as "Kaamchor" and "Khoobsurat", among others but later went to shift gears into filmmaking and sporadic guest appearances.

Some of his notable directorial works include "Khudgarz", "Khoon Bhari Maang", "Karan Arjun" and "Koyla".