What rare disease did Amitabh Bachchan suffer from?

Amitabh Bachchan was diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis (MG) in 1984.

How did Bachchan's MG diagnosis nearly end his acting career?

Doctors warned Bachchan that he may never be able to work again due to the severe muscle weakness caused by MG, which made even basic tasks like drinking water a life-threatening challenge.

How is Bachchan's story connected to the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine?

The Nobel-winning discovery on peripheral immune tolerance, which identified the role of regulatory T cells in preventing the body's immune system from attacking its own tissues, has shed new light on the underlying mechanism behind conditions like MG that Bachchan battled.

Home / Health / Amitabh Bachchan's Miraculous Recovery: From Near-Fatal Illness to Iconic Comeback

Amitabh Bachchan's Miraculous Recovery: From Near-Fatal Illness to Iconic Comeback

6 Oct

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Summary

Bachchan diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 1984
Doctors warned he may never act again, but he made a remarkable recovery
Bachchan's story linked to 2025 Nobel Prize-winning discovery on immune tolerance

On October 6, 2025, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discoveries on peripheral immune tolerance. This breakthrough has shed new light on the remarkable journey of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, who overcame a life-threatening illness over four decades ago.

In 1984, while shooting for the film Mard in Bengaluru, Bachchan first experienced the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disorder that causes fluctuating muscle weakness. He struggled with simple tasks like drinking water, and doctors warned that he may never act again. However, after a prolonged period of treatment and rest, Bachchan made a miraculous recovery, going on to star in one of his most iconic films, Shahenshah.

The Nobel-winning discovery has now revealed the underlying mechanism behind conditions like MG. The laureates identified special immune system "security guards" known as regulatory T cells, whose job is to prevent the body's immune system from attacking its own tissues. When this tolerance fails, it can lead to autoimmune diseases such as the one Bachchan battled.

Bachchan's journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the ongoing advancements in medical science. His story offers hope and inspiration to those facing similar challenges, as the world continues to uncover the mysteries behind rare and debilitating conditions.

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