Saif Ali Khan Wanted Dessert After Angioplasty, Recalls Dietician: ‘We Made Custard And Jelly’
Former Lilavati Hospital dietician Khyati Rupani recalls amusing and emotional moments with Bollywood stars like Saif Ali Khan, Rishi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan.
Celebrity interactions inside hospital walls rarely make headlines, but for Khyati Rupani—former dietician at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital—these behind-the-scenes moments have left a lasting impression. In a recent interview with Ronak Kotecha, Rupani shared amusing and heartfelt stories from her time working with some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including Saif Ali Khan, Rishi Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan.
Rupani, who had closely monitored Saif Ali Khan’s diet during his 2007 angioplasty, revealed that the actor was laser-focused on one thing: dessert. “He was very particular about, ‘Why is there no dessert?’" she recalled with a laugh. “I told him, ‘You’ve just had an angioplasty, sir. I’m not going to…’ But we worked around it. I went to the kitchen and said, ‘Let’s not give him a regular dessert.’ So, we used to make custard and jelly."
related stories
Saif, who was recently admitted again to Lilavati Hospital after a knife attack at his Mumbai home, has since recovered and resumed work. Back in 2007, he reportedly suffered a mild heart attack due to overexertion, with his sister Soha Ali Khan telling Hindustan Times, “He returned from South Africa at 1:30 am and rushed straight to rehearsals. He had been working day and night."
Rupani also shared a less sweet experience involving the late Rishi Kapoor. Known for his love of food, the actor apparently struggled with the hospital’s strict vegetarian policy. “He hated his food getting cut," she said. “Mrs. Neetu Kapoor was always strict—‘Don’t give him this, don’t give him gulab jamun.’ But he wanted to eat what he wanted. I tried everything, but I think he left irritated."
While some patients proved difficult, Rupani praised Amitabh Bachchan for his humility and kindness. She fondly recalled the actor’s concern when his mother, Teji Bachchan, was admitted for an extended 11-month stay. “Mr. Bachchan was always so polite. Teji ji was on tube feeds, and sometimes there were delays—it’s a massive hospital with 400 beds and complicated diets. But never once did he raise his voice. He would just request gently, ‘Please be careful.’"
These glimpses into the off-screen lives of stars offer a reminder: no matter how famous, everyone becomes human when it comes to health. Whether it’s Saif’s craving for sweets, Rishi’s frustration over missing favorites, or Amitabh’s quiet dignity, Rupani’s stories reflect the vulnerability—and sometimes unexpected charm—of Bollywood’s biggest icons when the cameras are off.
With Saif Ali Khan now back to work and gearing up for major releases in 2025, including his return to big-screen action, fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the actor’s sweet tooth—and fighting spirit—remain firmly intact.
- Location :
- First Published: