Throwback: When Shreyas Talpade opened up on surviving a massive heart attack

Shreyas Talpade, who recently survived a massive heart attack, opened up on the new lease of life he was given. In an interview with IndianExpress.com, Shreyas shared about the terrifying experience of a near fatal heart attack. He talked about how his wife, Deepti, rushed him to the hospital. Shreyas also spoke openly about how his perspective on life has shifted since then, emphasising his newfound focus on what truly matters.He mentioned that he sees this phase as a second chance at life and is dedicated to supporting his wife in overcoming the trauma they both endured during his treatment.

Shreyas admitted that, until December 14th last year, he was completely engrossed in his work. Having worked tirelessly for around 30 years, his sole focus was on advancing his career. Despite claiming to prioritise spending quality time with his family, he acknowledges that work always took precedence, resulting in a constant pursuit of professional goals. This lifestyle led to chronic stress, which he had been enduring since his acting debut in 2002.
He reflected on how his priorities shifted after the heart attack, emphasising that family and health now take precedence over work. He drew parallels with the tale of the hare and the tortoise, advocating for a slow, steady approach to life rather than constant rushing. He highlighted the importance of consistency and taking one step at a time. He also mentioned that while the hare may run ahead and tyre out, the tortoise's steady pace is more sustainable in the long run. He stressed the significance of cherishing moments with family, especially witnessing a child's growth, amidst life's hustle and bustle.

Shreyas reflected on the day he suffered a heart attack and the challenging period his family endured while he underwent treatment at the hospital, expressing how those events have transformed him as an individual.He said, " I felt that this is technically a second life, a second opportunity that not many people get, and I wouldn’t like to abuse it. So I am just taking it easy for now. Luckily, this film came, which helped me get out of the atmosphere that was building up in the house or wherever I go. But at the same time, I want to make sure that I take good care of my health, or rather, take better care of my health. I used to think that I was probably taking good care, but clearly that wasn’t really enough. The perception and priority have changed now, and apart from that, I am obviously thankful to God. Whatever happened, I am thankful to my wife for whatever she did that night.”

Few months after the life-altering event, Shreyas continues his recovery process. While he's resumed work, he admits to taking things slowly. Regarding his family, he prioritises being there for his wife's mental recovery, recognising that overcoming trauma takes time. He emphasises the importance of not taking one's health for granted, highlighting the unpredictability of life. He reflects on the suddenness of the incident, realising he was powerless at that moment.