Superstar Rajinikanth suffered an "episode of giddiness and after a thorough evaluation he was advised to undergo Carotid Artery Revascularization," said Chennai's Kauvery Hospital, where the actor was admitted to on Thursday, in its bulletin. Carotid Artery Revascularization is a procedure done to restore blood supply to the brain without any blockade or obstruction. Rajinikanth is undergoing treatment at the Kauvery Hospital since yesterday. After successfully completing the medical procedure today, the bulletin added: "He is recovering well. He is likely to be discharged from the hospital."
Earlier on Friday, Rajinikanth's team issued their first official statement after the actor's hospitalization. Rajinikanth's PR manager Riaz K Ahmed, in a voice message, dismissed media reports that the 70-year-old has been diagnosed with a condition known as infarction. "Thalaivar is fine. Don't believe rumours," he said in the voice message.
Just a few days ago, Rajinikanth received the Dada Saheb Phalke Award - India's highest film honour - in New Delhi at a ceremony presided over by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. He was accompanied to the National Awards by daughter Aishwarya and son-in-law Dhanush, who received the Best Actor award. He returned to Chennai after meeting Prime Minister Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind.
While in New Delhi, Rajinikanth also launched Hoote, a new platform co-founded by daughter Soundarya. On Thursday, the superstar shared a message on Hoote about how much his grandson Ved loved the special screening of his upcoming film Annaatthe - it was Ved's first in-person film experience with his grandfather. The film is slated for release on Diwali day.
Rajinikanth, who nursed political ambitions for over 20 years, decided to opt out before the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu earlier this year amid the pandemic citing his renal transplant and possible impact on others.
