Padma Bhushan Rajnikanth, Asia's highest-paid actor after Jackie Chan, has created waves of concern among his huge international fan base and the Tamil film industry.
His deteriorating health condition, which landed him in the hospital twice in a fortnight, has become a cause of concern. Fans in Tamil Nadu have been reported to go out of their way to pray for Rajni's speedy recovery.
Rajni was first admitted to St. Isabel's hospital on April 29th, after complaining of stomach ache and general discomfort. He was treated for allergic bronchitis and dehydration.
The doctors at the hospital clarified that his health condition need not cause concern, and the actor was hospitalised till May 10th.
Rajnikanth fell ill once again on May 13th, and was admitted to Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (SMRC), Porur, wherein he was diagnosed to be suffering from gastro-intestinal and respiratory problems.
He underwent a surgery that drained the fluid that was accumulated in his lungs, after which he had to undergo dialysis as neither of his kidneys were functioning properly. Upon noticing swellings in his arms and legs, the doctors diagnosed him for a condition known as 'fliud overload', and the swellings were drained.
The brother of the 61-year-old cine idol, Satyanarayana Rao, according to sources, attributed the ill-health of the superstar to alcohol withdrawal. Satyanarayana revealed that his brother was making a consious effort to reduce his alcohol intake, and that that was what caused the usual alcohol withdrawal symptoms of vomiting, gastro-intestinal problems, weakness and breathlessness.