In a candid Instagram post that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, actress and singer Saba Azad has opened up about her sudden hospitalisation after being diagnosed with Cyclospora cayetanensis — a stubborn intestinal parasite that struck despite her meticulous hygiene habits. The 14-day ordeal, which she described as the “worst” of her life, has left the fitness-conscious star visibly weakened, but her boyfriend Hrithik Roshan has stepped in as her unwavering source of strength and levity.
Sharing a photo from her hospital bed on Friday, March 27, Azad appeared frail yet resilient, flashing a peace sign while lying in what she humorously noted was a “supersized” bed that made her look smaller than she actually was. In a raw, unfiltered caption, she wrote: “Worst 14 days of my life. Cyclospora cayetanensis you nasty piece of work!! For someone who only ever eats home food, carries her water bottle everywhere, this bug came outa nowhere, that too at the busiest time of the year for me. Iv lost 4 kgs that I didn’t have spare in two weeks and I can barely walk.”
The post, photographed by Hrithik himself, detailed her dramatic physical decline. Just days earlier, the actress — known for her rigorous fitness routine — was “training twice a day, doing pull-ups, lifting heavy.” Overnight, she found herself “half my size, without strength to lift a goddamn toothpick leave alone weights.” Azad used the platform not just to vent but to issue a stark public health advisory to fans: “So pls for the love of your gut wash your salad leaves and veg like your life depends on it — cause sometimes it really does!! Our new method is Baking soda + veggie wash (Herbal Strategi has a good one).” She ended on a lighter note, crediting Hrithik for lifting her “very grumpy sprits” and finding humour in even the darkest moments.
Azad’s health scare comes at a particularly demanding time in her career. The multi-talented star, who has balanced acting, singing, and production work, was reportedly in the thick of a busy schedule when the infection hit. Her transparency has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have flooded social media with messages of support and shared their own stories of similar food-borne illnesses.
Hrithik Roshan’s quiet but consistent presence adds a touching layer to the story. The couple, who began dating in 2022 and recently celebrated four years together, has maintained a low-key yet affectionate relationship in the public eye. Sources close to the pair note that the actor has been by her side throughout, turning hospital visits into moments of laughter amid the pain — a testament to the bond they share after both have navigated high-profile personal journeys in the past.
Bollywood sends its well-wishes to Saba Azad for a swift recovery, with many hoping this health hiccup only strengthens the quiet resilience she and Hrithik have shown time and again — both on screen and off it