Arvind Swamy's Harrowing 18-Month Paralysis Journey and Ayurvedic Recovery
Pan-India star Arvind Swamy, who rose to fame with iconic films like Roja and Bombay in the early 1990s, has revealed a deeply personal health struggle that significantly impacted his life and career. In a candid discussion at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the actor shared that he suffered a severe spinal injury in 2005 that left him partially paralysed for a year and a half.
The Injury That Changed Everything
Unlike contemporary pan-India stars who maintain busy schedules, Arvind Swamy was always selective about his projects, choosing only those that truly resonated with him. However, his career trajectory took an unexpected turn in 2005 when he sustained a spinal injury that resulted in partial paralysis. The actor described experiencing immense physical pain throughout this 18-month period, coupled with significant mobility challenges that ultimately led him to step away from the film industry.
"This happened for a year and a half only because I made a choice not to have surgery," Swamy revealed during the festival conversation. He explained that he had initially decided against surgical intervention, which prolonged his suffering and recovery timeline.
The Ayurvedic Intervention That Made Him Walk in Three Days
The turning point came when Swamy, who had been surrounded by people who believed primarily in allopathic medicine, encountered an Ayurvedic practitioner from Kerala. "I never thought of Ayurveda as an option," he admitted, reflecting on his previous medical perspective.
Remarkably, after beginning treatment with this practitioner, Swamy experienced dramatic improvement. "For one and a half years, I was in a lot of pain and my mobility was affected, but in three days, he made me walk," the actor shared with evident gratitude. He emphasized that while this approach worked effectively for him, he does not recommend it universally, advising others to follow professional medical guidance tailored to their specific situations.
The Mental Battle and Recovery Process
Swamy described the 18-month period as more of a mental struggle than a physical one. "Because the ability to be able to deal with pain and immobility, I think, it is all in the mind, to a large extent," he explained. Rather than dwelling on questions like "Why me?" he maintained mental activity through board games, puzzles, and chess, which helped tire his mind productively each day.
The actor acknowledged the value of both traditional and modern medical approaches, stating, "There is an ancient wisdom in Ayurveda which worked for me. There is a lot of wisdom in allopathy also and it has also worked for me."
Return to Cinema with Mani Ratnam's Kadal
After beginning his recovery, Swamy took a cautious approach, content with being mobile and pain-free without immediately pursuing further professional ambitions. As a single father with young children, he carefully considered his next steps.
Thirteen years after his injury, director Mani Ratnam approached him for the film Kadal. Swamy initially hesitated, explaining, "I told him I am not physically well. Because of a lot of medication, I had put on a lot of weight and lost my hair. I was not ready for acting." After both mental and physical preparation, however, he accepted the role, marking his return to the silver screen despite the film's modest box office performance.
Arvind Swamy will next appear in the upcoming film Gandhi Talks, continuing his revived acting career after overcoming significant health challenges through a combination of personal resilience and alternative medical approaches.
