Saba Azad Hospitalized After Contracting Dangerous Parasite Infection
Bollywood actor and musician Saba Azad has been admitted to hospital following a serious diagnosis of the intestinal parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The actress shared distressing details about her health crisis through an emotional Instagram post on Friday, revealing the profound physical toll the infection has taken on her body.
"Worst 14 Days of My Life" - Saba's Harrowing Experience
In a vulnerable social media update, Azad posted a photograph showing herself lying in an oversized hospital bed, appearing noticeably weakened and frail. She captioned the image with raw honesty about her suffering, describing the past two weeks as the "worst 14 days of my life" and directly addressing the parasite as a "nasty piece of work."
The actress expressed particular frustration about contracting the illness despite her cautious habits: "For someone who only ever eats home food, carries her water bottle everywhere, this bug came out of nowhere, that too at the busiest time of the year for me."
Azad detailed the severe physical consequences she has endured, including significant weight loss and mobility issues: "I've lost 4 kgs that I didn't have spare in two weeks and I can barely walk."
Dramatic Physical Transformation and Health Warning
The actor contrasted her previous fitness level with her current debilitated state, highlighting the infection's sudden and devastating impact. "One day I'm training twice a day, doing pull-ups, lifting heavy and the next I'm half my size, without strength to lift a goddamn toothbrush leave alone weights," she wrote.
Azad issued a crucial public health warning based on her experience: "So please for the love of your gut wash your salad leaves and vegetables like your life depends on it - cause sometimes it really does!!"
She shared her household's new food safety protocol: "Our new method is Baking soda + veggie wash (Herbal Strategi has a good one)."
Hrithik Roshan's Support During Recovery
In her concluding remarks, Azad credited her boyfriend, superstar Hrithik Roshan, for providing essential emotional support during her hospitalization. She revealed that Roshan took the hospital bed photograph and has been instrumental in maintaining her spirits.
"(Camera) by @hrithikroshan who's kept my very grumpy spirits up and always manages to find humour in the darnest situations," she wrote, adding a clarification about her appearance: "PS - I haven't shrunk quite as much as it may seem here, the bed is supersized and the angle is wide."
Background on Hrithik Roshan's Relationships
Hrithik Roshan was previously married to interior designer Sussanne Khan from 2000 until their separation in 2013, with their divorce finalized in 2014. The former couple shares two sons - Hrehaan, born in 2006, and Hridhaan, born in 2008. They have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship since their separation.
Roshan and Azad began dating publicly in 2022, with their relationship becoming visible through appearances at social events including dinner outings and filmmaker Karan Johar's 50th birthday celebration. The couple marked four years together in October 2025.
The Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite typically causes intestinal illness with symptoms including watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Infections often occur through consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly fresh produce that hasn't been properly washed.
