Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan took to social media to reveal that his father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, was diagnosed with early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat a few weeks ago. This particular type of cancer is characterised by an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the throat. Hrithik shared a picture with his father before their workout and captioned it, “Asked my dad for a picture this morning. Knew he wouldn’t miss gym on surgery day. He is probably the strongest man I know. Got diagnosed with early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the throat a few weeks ago, but he is in full spirits today as he proceeds to battle it.” “As a family we are fortunate and blessed to have a leader like him. Love you Dad,” the actor added. The comments section has been flooded with get-well-soon wishes from fans and well-wishers. On the work front, Rakesh Roshan was all set to helm the fourth installment of the popular Krrish franchise, which would see Hrithik returning as the caped crusader. Speculation is rife that the actor would play the superhero as well as the villain in the film. The director had promised to up the ante in Krrish 4, with world-class action sequences and VFX. “We will rope in international action director for the film. We want to up the scale of action and VFX. Show something that is not done,” he had told PTI. If rumours doing the rounds are anything to go by, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif are top contenders for the leading lady. Krrish 4 is slated to hit the theatres on Christmas 2020. Published in Daily Times, January 9th 2019.