'They waited for me': Shiva Rajkumar reveals he almost quit 'Peddi' due to his cancer diagnosis and US treatment

Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar recently revealed that he had almost made an exit from Ram Charan's upcoming sports action drama film Peddi due to his cancer diagnosis and treatment in the US. However, director Buchi Babu Sana waited for him patiently.

Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar has recently revealed that he had almost quit Ram Charan's upcoming sports action drama film Peddi.

Speaking at a film's promotion event in Chennai, Shiva opened up about how his cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment made him think of exiting the project.

However, the team didn't let him go and waited for him patiently.

The Kannada star was approached for the film before his cancer diagnosis in 2024.

He said, "They just wanted to do the film with me, and when Buchi Babu narrated it to me, I liked the subject. I spoke to Ram Charan also that day. And afterwards, unfortunately, I was diagnosed with cancer, and I was supposed to go to the US."

Due to his treatment in US, Shiva said he thought of dropping out of the project. "But they waited for me. I thought, shall we cancel? But Buchi Babu said, no, we want you. It’s so sweet of them, and they waited for me for a long time. I’m very thankful to you, sir, so beautiful it is. Wonderful journey," he said.

In 2024, Shiva was diagnosed with urinary bladder cancer. In December of the same year, the 62-year-old actor underwent a six-hour surgical procedure at the Miami Cancer Institute in Florida. Since then, he has been declared cancer-free.

Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, Peddi stars Ram Charan in the titular role. The film also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Divyenndu, Boman Irani, Ravi Kishan and Satya, among others.

Set in 1980s rural Andhra Pradesh, Peddi follows the journey of a daily wage labourer Peddi Pehelwan's fight for identity and dignity, not just for him but for his whole village.

The film is set to release on June 4 in theatres.