Shekhar Suman recalls father detecting son Aayush’s illness, says wife Alka heard his voice years after his death (Image credits: Instagram)
Shekhar Suman has opened up about one of the most painful chapters of his life — the illness and loss of his son Aayush Suman. In a recent conversation, the actor recalled how his father, a doctor, was the first person to notice signs of Aayush’s rare medical condition and also shared an emotional incident that made his family feel his son was still watching over them.
‘His liver feels enlarged’
Recalling the moment his father’s instincts alerted the family, Shekhar said Aayush was sitting on his grandfather’s lap when he noticed something unusual.”My father was a doctor. Aayush came and sat on his lap, and while examining him casually, he said, ‘Shekhar, come here. His liver feels slightly enlarged. When you go back to Mumbai, get it checked. It may be nothing, but don’t neglect it,'” the actor shared with Lehren Retro.The family followed up with medical tests, which eventually led to a devastating diagnosis.
‘When my father said Hey Bhagwan, I knew it was serious’
As investigations continued, doctors discovered that Aayush was suffering from Endomyocardial Fibrosis (EMF), an extremely rare heart condition.”One test led to another and we found out he had fibrosis of the heart, a one-in-a-billion case called Endomyocardial Fibrosis. When I told my father the diagnosis over the phone, there was complete silence. Then he just said, ‘Hey Bhagwan,'” Shekhar recalled.The actor said he immediately sensed the gravity of the situation. “When he told me it wasn’t a good disease, I understood. I knew my father very well. We eventually found out that Aayush was terminally ill.”
‘You never get over something like this’
Even years after losing his son, Shekhar admitted that the pain remains.”I have spoken about it many times, but you never really get over something like this. Every day we talk about him, look at his pictures, remember him. The loss never leaves you,” he said.The actor added that he often feels Aayush’s presence around him and believes that the bond with his son continues beyond the physical world.
The incident at Kashi Vishwanath temple
Sharing an experience that deeply affected his family, Shekhar recalled an incident involving his wife Alka Suman during a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.According to the actor, Alka had called him while he was campaigning during the 2009 elections. Before she could explain why she was distressed, he instinctively asked whether she had met Aayush.”She was shocked and asked how I knew. She told me that after visiting the temple, someone approached her asking for money. She handed over a small amount and the person replied, ‘Itne se mera kya hoga?’ in exactly Aayush’s voice and tone,” Shekhar said.The phrase was one Aayush often used at home when doctors restricted his food intake and he was given small portions.
‘Many people said he would give us a sign’
Shekhar said Alka was so startled that she immediately searched for the person, but he had disappeared.”Many priests and astrologers had told us that Aayush would give us a sign one day. Alka firmly believes that was him. We feel he is still with us, not physically, but spiritually,” he said.The actor also revealed that several people have predicted that Aayush would one day return to the family in another form.”We have been told that he will come back as Adhyayan’s son. We are waiting for that moment. I truly feel he is around us. I can hear his voice and feel his presence,” Shekhar added.Aayush Suman passed away in 1994 at the age of 11 after battling the rare heart condition. Over the years, Shekhar and his family have continued to speak about him with deep affection, keeping his memory alive through stories and cherished moments. Go to Source
