Shah Rukh Khan Recovering After Heatstroke Scare During Indian General Election

Shah Rukh Khan’s manager reassured fans that the "King of Bollywood" is on the road to recovery after being hospitalized with heatstroke. The 58-year-old actor was admitted for treatment in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where temperatures soared to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) during the ongoing general election in parts of India.

Mr Khan's manager, Pooja Dadlani, shared on X that he is doing well and extends her gratitude to all his fans and well-wishers for their love, prayers, and concern.

According to the Press Trust of India, Khan was admitted to K D Hospital due to a heat stroke, as confirmed by Ahmedabad (Rural) Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat. A video from a local news agency captured Khan's wife, Gauri, visiting him at the hospital on Thursday morning.

KD Hospital has been contacted by CNN for a comment.

The actor, also known as "King Khan," is highly esteemed in India, having appeared in over 90 films and receiving numerous awards. He was honored with India's fourth-highest civilian award in 2005 and was included in Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people in 2022.

Khan was in Ahmedabad to watch a cricket match between the Kolkata Knight Riders, a team he co-owns, and the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

His hospitalization coincided with a heatwave sweeping parts of the country, leading to illnesses and school closures due to high temperatures reaching dangerous levels.

Student Lim Sokha, 15, uses a fan to cool down during her class in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 2, 2024.

Student Lim Sokha, 15, uses a fan to cool down during her class in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on May 2, 2024.

Chan Tha Lach/Reuters

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Record temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius have been reported in northern cities, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a warning for a "severe heatwave" in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.

Authorities in Delhi have instructed schools to close early for the summer holidays due to the scorching temperatures reaching 47.4 degrees Celsius. In Barmer city, Rajasthan, the IMD reported a maximum temperature of 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

The IMD forecasts that temperatures will continue to stay high in the coming days.

The nation of 1.4 billion people is currently facing extreme heat as they conduct a national election. Delhi, a bustling city with over 11 million residents, is set to vote on Sunday.

During the summer months of May and June, India usually experiences heatwaves. However, in recent years, these heatwaves have started earlier and lasted longer. Experts warn that due to the climate crisis, India can expect more frequent and prolonged heatwaves in the future, putting the country's ability to adapt to the test.

India is predicted to be one of the countries most impacted by the climate crisis, as stated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This poses a threat to its development and could potentially reverse the progress made in poverty alleviation, health, and economic growth.

Editor's P/S:

The hospitalization of Shah Rukh Khan, a beloved Indian actor, due to heatstroke highlights the severe impact of the ongoing heatwave in India. With temperatures soaring to dangerous levels, thousands of people across the country are suffering from heat-related illnesses. The article emphasizes the need for authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of extreme heat, especially during the ongoing election process.

Khan's hospitalization serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of heatstroke, particularly for those engaged in strenuous activities or exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. The article also draws attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries like India, where heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. It underscores the urgent need for global action to address the climate crisis and protect vulnerable populations from its devastating consequences.