Kiran Rao undergoes appendix surgery, shares health update
Filmmaker thanks doctors, family and friends for timely support; colleagues from film industry wish her a speedy recovery
Filmmaker Kiran Rao penned a lengthy note on social media as she shared a health update following her appendix surgery, revealing that she has been discharged from the hospital and is recuperating at home.
Rao, known for directing films such as Laapataa Ladies and Dhobi Ghat, shared the update in an Instagram post on Sunday. The post featured pictures from her hospital stay, along with a heartfelt note thanking her family, friends and medical team for their support.
“Here I was, all ready to party my way into 2026, when my appendix sent me a reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and give thanks,” Rao wrote.
Expressing gratitude to her doctor, Kayomarz Kapadia, and the surgical team, she added, “Immense gratitude for modern medicine (still can’t understand how that whole 12mm dia appendix came out through a 10.5mm catheter). Dr Kayomarz Kapadia and the whole surgical team, Ira, Popeye and Shefali for TLC and hospital sleepover fun, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital’s super care, and the timely intervention of my friends and family.”
Rao also shared a light-hearted note about an allergic reaction that caused her lips to swell, joking that they are now “back to normal and unglam.”
“Well, I’ve been discharged and I’m back home, ready to ease myself into the new year. 2025 has been good to me and mine, and here’s hoping 2026 will be kind, fun, full of love and better AQI for all,” she wrote, adding captions describing the photos from her hospital room.
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Several members of the film industry wished Rao a speedy recovery in the comments section. Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote, “Godspeed K,” while Neeraj Pandey commented, “Love the way you mentioned modern medicine. We need more of this conversation in our day-to-day life.” Actor Aditi Rao Hydari also reacted with heart emojis.
Rao’s most recent directorial venture, Laapataa Ladies (2023), starred Pratibha Ranta and Nitanshi Goel and followed the story of two brides who get separated during a train journey. The film was selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025 and was produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios and Kindling Pictures.
