Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi's high-flying celebrations for his latest box office hit have hit a sudden roadblock. The actor has officially tested positive for Swine Flu (H1N1) following a period of intense travel and deteriorating health.
The Health Diagnosis and Show Cancellation
Hashmi had been traveling extensively across India, including a recent promotional visit to Ranchi, when his health began to decline. After experiencing worsening symptoms, he underwent medical testing. Exclusive medical reports have now confirmed that the actor is H1N1 positive. Doctors have advised him to undergo strict bed rest and follow necessary medical protocols.
As a direct consequence of his diagnosis, Hashmi had to cancel his highly anticipated appearance at an upcoming event in Bengaluru. Addressing his fans on social media, the actor wrote:
"Hello Bengaluru, I am really very sick and unfortunately won't be able to make it to the Bengaluru show. But the picture isn't over, it is just postponed."
The event, originally scheduled to take place at Sunburn Union, has now been rescheduled for Saturday, September 12. Hashmi assured ticket holders that their existing tickets would remain valid for the new date.
A Record-Breaking Box Office Run
This health setback comes at a monumental moment in Hashmi's career. His highly anticipated film Awarapan 2, which released in theaters on August 14, has taken the box office by storm.
- The Milestones: In just 15 days, the film has amassed a staggering ₹220 crore.
- Career Best: This makes Awarapan 2 the highest-grossing film of Emraan Hashmi's career as a lead actor.
- Historical Context: While Hashmi has been part of bigger blockbusters like Tiger 3 and the Tamil film They Call Him OG, those featured him in supporting or antagonist roles. Awarapan 2 cements his box-office draw as a solo hero.
Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the movie serves as a sequel to Hashmi’s 2007 hit Awarapan and stars Disha Patani and veteran actress Shabana Azmi in pivotal roles.
Shabana Azmi’s Parallel Health Battle
In a strange twist of fate, Hashmi is not the only cast member of Awarapan 2 to battle Swine Flu recently. His co-star, Shabana Azmi, contracted the H1N1 virus in July.
Azmi fell ill with a 102-degree fever following her participation in a public protest in Delhi. Although she was forced into bed rest and missed subsequent promotional events, she has since made a full recovery. Both actors are currently represented in theaters, though Azmi's other release, Batwara 1947, unfortunately underperformed at the box office compared to the runaway success of Awarapan 2.
