Panchayat actor Aasif Khan is currently taking a break to start a healthier chapter in his life after a recent health scare. Khan has revealed that he has been smoke‑free for 21 days, and that it is his ‘biggest gift’ to himself.
Khan on Sunday took to Instagram and posted a heartfelt note for his fans and friends. He shared some pictures from the hospital and wrote, “They say it takes 21 days to break any good or bad habit. Today marks 21 days since I quit smoking. Since it’s Friendship Day, I thought it was the best time to tell my friends how much I love them.” Adding more on an emotional note, Khan wrote, “Life has ups and downs. In the good times, you’ll find a crowd around you, but in the lows, only a few stay. Happy Friendship Day to them.”
The photos worried many fans, who wondered if he was still admitted. Aasif later clarified in the post, “P.S. – I am at home, much better, much stronger. These photos are old.”
A scary health incident that changed everything for Aasif
Aasif’s decision to quit smoking came after a frightening health scare last month. He was rushed to Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai after experiencing severe chest pain, which he initially feared was a heart attack. Doctors later confirmed it was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive condition that can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack.
“The health scare changed my life,” Aasif admitted. “I don’t want to wait for something worse to happen before taking care of myself.”
Speaking to ETimes, the actor shared that doctors advised him to make changes in his daily routine. “I’ve been told to stop eating dal baati, limit non‑veg, and exercise more. I don’t think this will affect my work. These things happen in life, and people move on,” he said.
Life lessons learnt from the experience
Reflecting on the incident, Aasif urged his fans to make healthier choices before it’s too late. “Meet your friends every day. Don’t make life’s deals over things worth 20‑30 rupees. Maybe someday, I’ll laugh reading these words,” he wrote.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a long‑term digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus), irritating its lining.
Common symptoms of GERD:
- Heartburn, especially after meals or at night
- Chest pain that can feel like a heart attack
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth from acid coming up
- Trouble swallowing or the sensation of food stuck in the throat
- Chronic cough, sore throat, or hoarseness
According to the Mayo Clinic, GERD happens when the lower oesophageal sphincter, a muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, doesn’t close properly, allowing acid to escape.
Risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Eating heavy or spicy meals
- Drinking alcohol, coffee, or fizzy drinks
- Lying down soon after eating
Fans show support
After his update, fans and friends flooded social media with love and encouragement. Many praised him for quitting smoking and for speaking so openly about his health journey. Now recovering at home, Aasif says he feels stronger than ever and is determined to focus on his health and wellbeing in the days ahead.
