Exactly one year after his life-altering surgery, the medical team that treated Kannada superstar Dr. Shivarajkumar (affectionately known as Shivanna) has shared a deeply emotional message. On December 24, 2025, marking the anniversary of the successful operation, the doctors officially reiterated that the actor is cancer-free and praised his "golden heart" and resilience.
"A Special Day for a Special Soul"
December 24 holds immense significance for the "Century Star" and his millions of fans. It was on this day in 2024 that Shivarajkumar underwent a complex surgical procedure at the Miami Cancer Institute in the USA to remove a cancerous bladder and reconstruct an artificial one using his own intestine.
In a video message and note released today, the lead oncologist, Dr. Murugesh Manoharan, along with the medical staff, expressed their admiration for the actor:
"Shivanna, your heart is made of pure gold. December 24 is a very special day for us because it reminds us of your courage. With the blessings of God, your parents (Dr. Rajkumar and Parvathamma), and your 'Abhimani Devaru' (fans), you have conquered this battle. We pray that you live a wonderful, healthy life for over a hundred years."
The Journey to Recovery
The news of Shivanna’s cancer diagnosis in late 2024 had sent shockwaves through the film industry. However, the actor displayed extraordinary strength by:
- Filming through Pain: Continuing to shoot the climax of his film '45' while undergoing grueling chemotherapy sessions.
- Transparency: Sharing his journey openly with fans to prevent rumors and provide courage to others fighting similar battles.
- The Surgery: Undergoing a 5-hour successful surgery in Miami on Dec 24, 2024, followed by a month of recovery in the US.
Christmas and New Year Greetings
The doctors also extended their festive greetings, wishing the actor and his family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026. They noted that his recovery is a "miracle of science and faith," highlighting that all recent pathology reports have remained negative.
What's Next for the Century Star?
With a clean bill of health, Shivarajkumar is back with "double the energy." His highly anticipated film '45', co-starring Upendra and Raj B. Shetty, is set for a grand theatrical release tomorrow, December 25, 2025, on the occasion of Christmas. Fans are planning massive celebrations across Karnataka to welcome their favorite star back to the silver screen in a "cancer-free" era.