Bollywood writer-editor Apurva Asrani has always been known for his bold storytelling, powerful screenplays, and sharp editing skills. From movies like Aligarh and Shahid to web series like Criminal Justice and Made in Heaven, his work has left a deep impact. But in 2018, Apurva faced something far more personal and life-changing than any film script — he was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.
This unexpected health scare became a turning point in his life. It pushed him to slow down, rethink his priorities, and focus on living a more authentic and mindful life. Now in his 40s, Apurva lives a peaceful life in Goa with his partner, three cats, and two dogs. He has given up alcohol and gluten, and focuses on wellness, nature, and quality over quantity in both life and work.
A Normal Day That Changed Everything
The day before his diagnosis, Apurva had enjoyed what seemed like a perfect day. He had a good meal, a couple of drinks, and went to bed feeling content. But the next morning, things took a drastic turn. He woke up and realized he couldn’t move one side of his face. Drinking water was a struggle. Brushing his teeth felt strange. Smiling wasn’t the same anymore.
“I thought I was having a stroke,” he recalled in an interview. Scared and confused, he rushed to the hospital. Doctors soon ruled out a stroke and diagnosed him with Bell’s Palsy.
Bell’s Palsy is a condition that affects about 40 out of 100,000 people each year. It causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but it is believed to be linked to viral infections and stress.
An Emotional and Physical Battle
The days and weeks that followed were difficult. Apurva was prescribed steroids and started physiotherapy and acupuncture. His mother even performed a religious ritual (puja) in the hope of curing the condition. But nothing seemed to help, and the uncertainty made things worse.
“The more I stressed, the worse it got,” Apurva admitted. To lighten the mood, his friends joked and even nicknamed him “Lolita Pawar,” referencing a veteran actress known for her expressive face. Though said with love, the jokes couldn’t hide the pain and fear he felt inside.
Doctors in Mumbai tried different treatments, but a crucial step was missed — they didn’t begin electrical impulse therapy within the first three months, which is considered the golden recovery period. This delay affected his recovery and left a lasting impact on his facial muscles.
Professional Setbacks and Personal Pain
At the time of his diagnosis, Apurva was at the peak of his career. He was editing the popular web series Made in Heaven but had to leave the project midway due to vertigo caused by Bell’s Palsy. Watching and editing moving visuals became too difficult. This was just one of many heartbreaks he faced during that period — both personal and professional.
For someone who had built a career based on strong visuals and emotional storytelling, being unable to express himself facially or even watch scenes properly was devastating.
A New Chapter Begins in Goa
Instead of letting the illness define him, Apurva decided to change his life. He moved to Goa to find peace and start over. There, he embraced a simpler lifestyle with his partner and their five pets. He began eating healthier, gave up gluten and alcohol, and started appreciating the little joys of life — like the sound of a coconut falling or his cat meowing.
“I no longer hide my face,” Apurva said proudly. His confidence grew as he focused on self-love, mindfulness, and wellness. He learned to say “no” to projects that didn’t align with his values and started choosing work more carefully.
Today, Apurva may be working on fewer projects, but he is happier, healthier, and more focused than ever before.
Stress Management and Mindful Living
Apurva’s journey with Bell’s Palsy taught him a lot about stress. He realized how deeply stress can affect the body and mind. Instead of pushing himself too hard, he now listens to his body and makes time for rest and reflection.
His new approach includes meditation, spending time in nature, and focusing on mental health. He wants to spread awareness about Bell’s Palsy and help others who might be going through similar experiences.
“I don’t want people to feel alone,” he shared during an interview. Apurva is using his platform to talk openly about health, healing, and the importance of self-care — especially in high-pressure industries like film and media.
A Message of Hope
Apurva Asrani’s story is not just about a health condition. It’s about resilience, acceptance, and transformation. From facing a frightening diagnosis to finding peace in a quiet Goan village, his journey is a reminder that life can still be beautiful — even after the hardest challenges.
Through Bell’s Palsy, Apurva found a new purpose. He became more grounded, more authentic, and more alive. And in doing so, he has inspired many others to prioritize health, embrace change, and live life fully — scars and all.
As he says, “I’m getting high on life now,” and that’s perhaps the best medicine of all.
