Renowned karate master and actor Shihan Hussaini, who hails from Madurai, has been battling cancer and recently received financial assistance from the Tamil Nadu government.
Shihan Hussaini is well-known not only for his martial arts expertise but also for his appearances in Tamil cinema. He made his acting debut in the iconic film 'Punnagai Mannan', directed by K. Balachander, and later gained recognition for portraying a karate master training actor Vijay in the movie 'Badri'. Beyond cinema, Hussaini has made significant contributions as an archery coach, training over 400 archers and pioneering the promotion of modern archery in Tamil Nadu.
In a recent interview with Galatta, Shihan Hussaini revealed that he had been diagnosed with leukemia, a form of blood cancer. He expressed concerns about his deteriorating health and highlighted his dedication to archery, noting the impact his condition could have on his trainees. Earlier, Hussaini had also made public appeals to actor Vijay and Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan, requesting support for his archery initiatives. He urged them to contribute towards the development of archery and support upcoming talents. However, it is unclear whether any assistance was extended in response to his request.
Understanding the gravity of his situation, Shihan Hussaini wrote a letter to Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, detailing his health condition and emphasizing the importance of his archery training efforts. According to News 18 Tamil, moved by his plight, the Deputy CM directed the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority to provide financial aid for Shihan Hussaini’s medical treatment. Acting on this instruction, the authority presented a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to Shihan Hussaini to assist with his ongoing medical expenses.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Shihan Hussaini thanked the Tamil Nadu government and Udhayanidhi Stalin for their timely support. This assistance comes as a significant relief during his challenging times. The gesture not only highlights the government's commitment to supporting athletes and artists but also brings attention to the importance of aiding individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting sports and cultural values in the state.